Preparation For Raisin Weekend

Police in St Andrews hope that the annual event passes without incident.

Raisin Weekend used to involve children giving their academic parents a pound of raisins to thank them for welcoming them to St Andrews University. Students now use the annual celebration to make friends and drink alcohol.

Joint meetings have already taken place with the University and the Students association in order to agree on a joint strategy for the event.

PC Leisa Metcalfe, along with a University staff member and a Student Sabbatical Officer, will complete 'Hall talks' this week.  They will visit 3 student halls of residences on each of the 3 evenings, and provide advice on how to keep safe and the enforcement action that will be taken, if required.  These talks are compulsory and are attended by 1st year students.  In the build up to the event the University also communicated messages to the students setting the tone for the weekend.

PC Metcalfe said, "Along with officers from Police Scotland, members of University staff will be on duty on Sunday the 19th of October and at least one Red Cross ambulance will also be present. 
  
"Whilst we understand the traditions involved in the Raisin event, Police Scotland does not condone drunkenness or anti-social behaviour and officers will take the appropriate action should it become necessary.  Extra officers will be on patrol during the event and we would encourage all participants to enjoy themselves but also to keep themselves safe by drinking responsibly."