The first year student, from Shropshire in England, is believed to have been taking a shortcut to a beach party when he fell from the cliff at the Scores around 1.30 a.m. on Friday.

He was with a friend when he fell.

The lifeboat at Broughty Ferry was launched and an RAF helicopter from Northumberland also dispatched.

A short time later his body was discovered in the sea near to the Sea Life Centre and recovered from the water by members of the Fire and Rescue Service.

Alex's body was washed up close to the spot where he fell at about 3 a.m.

Alex's father, Chris, told the Citizen: "Alex had recently returned from a gap year in New Zealand which he enjoyed hugely. He had just commenced a joint degree in French and Spanish at St Andrews and was thoroughly enjoying the course, the countryside and the people.

"He was a very happy, outgoing young man who had a great love for life. He was a talented all-round sportsman who played rugby for Bishops Castle, junior country cricket for Shropshire and football for the university first 11.

"We are all heartbroken it is enormously difficult to come to terms with this tragedy."

Stephen Magee, university vice-principal, added: "Alex was in his first year with us studying French and Spanish and also Social Anthropology. He was a bright and very popular student who was much loved by his family and friends.

"We send our sincere condolences to Alex's parents, Chris and Jean, and his brother, Henry ,at this enormously difficult time.

''The university remains in close contact with the family at this time and we understand that arrangements for Alex's funeral will be known later.''

Detective Inspector Stuart Welsh, who is leading the investigation into the death, said: "A report is to be submitted to the procurator fiscal at Cupar in due course

"I would appeal to anyone who has any knowledge in relation to this incident, which at this early stage appears to be a tragic accident, to call us on our appeals line on 01592 251111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

"We are particularly keen to speak to a young American man, who may be a university student, who is believed to have spoken to the young man only minutes before his death."