But Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, Jim Mather, has just closed the door on essential cash to upgrade one of the jewels in its crown.

Local Lib Dem councillors, Robin Waterston and Frances Melville, along with St Andrews community council, took their fears for the future of the West Sands, made famous by the film, 'Chariots of Fire', to the top after the plug was pulled on £600,000 Scottish Enterprise (SE) cash for the second phase of a partnership improvement project there.

In a reply to Councillor Waterston, Mr Mather acknowledged Fife Council's vision for the Blue Flag beach near the famous Old Course and confirmed St Andrews as a priority destination in the bid to help Scotland meet tourism targets.

SE would continue to support the advancement of: "An industry-led approach to the development of St Andrews as an international destination," and would continue to support and fund a range of projects key to St Andrews' future.

However, last September's Government shake-up of Enterprise networks had cut the quango's budget substantially and projects to which it was legally committed — and there was no such commitment to the West Sands —had to be rigorously prioritised, leaving no money for the beach project.

Councillor Waterson said: "I am pleased to see that the minister reaffirms the importance of St Andrews in terms of the ambition to increase tourism in Scotland.

"However, the withdrawal of Scottish Enterprise funding from the West Sands redevelopment project is deeply disappointing and gives a hollow ring to these words.

"For them to pull out of this partnership project so abruptly, after being the lead body and having put so much work into the planning and consultation stages, has been a severe blow to both St Andrews residents and visitors.

"We can only hope that when the minister says that Scottish Enterprise will support and fund a range of projects, which are key to the destination's future, this turns out to be more than just hot air."

Fife Council has already allocated £425,000 to the project. C

Contributions from partners, St Andrews Links Trust and the R&A are set to be £450,000 and £150,000 respectively, according to Councillor Melville.

The council estimates the cost of repairing the West Sands road at £1.25 million and a meeting between the remaining partners is due to be held to reassess the situation.