Former pupil takes a wrecking ball to demolish his old school in Fife

Kevin McMullan, a project manager at the University of St Andrews, was at the helm as demolition experts knocked down dilapidated parts of the former Madras College building in the town’s South Street.

Kevin, who attended Madras College from 1995 to 2001, said it was both “exciting” and “very strange” to step back inside his old school shortly after it came into University ownership.

Describing the former school’s dark, empty swimming pool area as “the perfect setting for a horror movie”, Kevin said: “I hadn’t thought about the school much since I left all those years ago but knowing that I would be the project manager for the redevelopment was exciting and something I was looking forward to.”

He added: “Walking through the corridors brought back good memories as I enjoyed my time at the school, and I could remember having certain classes in the various rooms throughout the buildings.”

Since the programme of demolition at the former Madras College began in September last year it has generated a great deal of interest from former pupils, teachers, and local residents alike. Kevin said he is frequently asked for updates and requests for tours when the work is completed.

He said: “During the demolition phase I was getting asked all the time what is going on and what the plans are. So many people are interested in what happens to the “old Madras” that the University set up a special web page charting progress. This also includes unique drone footage of the site.

“People I speak to seem glad to hear the University has safeguarded the historic parts of the building, including the Quad, and that a new, sustainable design will give these buildings a new lease of life.

“Working with Avison Young and Safedem, we have now taken down all of the post-war buildings and cleared the site. It really is a vast area in the centre of the town and it will be exciting to see the next phase take shape.”

The demolition had to be undertaken to make way for the future redevelopment of the historic site in St Andrews.