A neurologist has left an estimated £600,000 towards medical research at St Andrews University.
Dr Bryan Ashworth bequeathed a fifth of his estate to the school of medicine.
The neurologist graduated from the university in 1952 and obtained his doctorate in medicine in 1969. He died in Edinburgh on November 20 last year at the age of 83.
The university said the bequest represents the largest single gift to the new medical school since it opened more than two years ago.
Principal and vice-chancellor Professor Louise Richardson said: “Our great universities have always thrived because of the generosity of graduates like Dr Ashworth. He received his university education thanks to a scholarship and he has generously chosen to create a lasting legacy with this donation.”
The legacy from Dr Ashworth, who returned to the institution as an honorary senior lecturer in medical history from 1997 to 2002, will support research in areas such as cancer, infection and immunity, child and adolescent health and health psychology, university bosses said.
Chancellor Sir Menzies Campbell, North East Fife MP, said: “Legacies can be used in many ways to promote scholarship, to enhance the fabric of university life, to promote academic excellence and to preserve and protect the considerable heritage of bricks, mortar and scholarly works that are part of the unique treasures of St Andrews.”