Plan to light up ancient cathedral causes a flap

Proposal to illuminate landmark provokes outrage and fear for owls

Plans to shine a light on the iconic remains of St Andrews Cathedral have caused a flap amid fears it could affect owls.

The town’s community council has also expressed concern the £195,000 LED lights could turn the ancient burial ground into a “fairground” with suggestions they could be changed to pink for Valentine’s Day.

The proposal by St Andrews Partnership would see the famous ruins lit up for the first time in a decade. But Penny Uprichard, convener of the community council’s planning committee, claimed the lights would have “a detrimental impact on owls and other night fliers”.

She added: “The cathedral and its burial grounds should not be treated as a fairground but as an area for respect.”