Police and University Issue Advice Ahead of Raisin
“Remember to feed your kids!”
With Raisin Weekend fast approaching, Police Scotland have issued a warning to students not to allow revelry to get out of hand. On 11 October, Fife Police Division issued this statement via their website and social media pages which has also been emailed to all students by the University Press Office:
‘POLICE URGE ST ANDREWS STUDENTS TO ENJOY RAISIN WEEKEND RESPONSIBLY
‘As Raisin Weekend approaches, police in St Andrews are encouraging students in the town to enjoy themselves safely and responsibly.
‘There will be a visible police presence in the town over the weekend and noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour and drinking in the streets will not be tolerated.
‘Officers are also warning students not to remove other people’s property for the purpose of the celebrations. This will be dealt with in the same way as any other theft.
‘Inspector Nicola Black of St Andrews police station said: “The majority of those taking part in Raisin Weekend will act in a responsible manner.
‘“However the behaviour of a small number can negatively impact on the reputation of the town’s students and I want to make it clear that noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour and drinking in the streets will not be tolerated.
‘“We work closely with the University and we would like to remind students that should they come to the attention of the police this could negatively impact on their university career.
‘“We also want to emphasise to the students the need to be safe, encouraging them to look after each other and not place themselves, or their friends, in danger.
‘“I’d advise them to stick with their friends, know in advance how they are getting home and not to leave venues with strangers.”
‘Reports of criminal behaviour should be made by calling 101 or, in the case of emergencies, 999.’
The Sabbatical officers have advised in their most recent email that all of the Union will be closed on Raisin Sunday besides from the foyer of Club 601, where support services will be available and that the Environment Team is running a competition for the most ‘Green’ Raisin costumes.
The Union is also running the comical ‘St Andrews Raisin Weekend’ Facebook page offering parenting tips to make for a more enjoyable raisin such as: ‘Good nutrition is important so your kids grow up healthy and strong. Remember to feed your kids!’ (Wise advice to soak up inebriates and avoid a mess in your flat. I’ll be keeping a box of Krispy Kremes on hand for an as needed carb top-up!)
Ahead of what may be the most unique of St Andrews traditions we should remember not to be too mean to our academic children and to respect the local residents and the work of the police so that this weekend remains a tradition which we can be proud of. Have fun everyone and be sure not to miss the foam fight!