Principal sum

Alex Orr (Letters, 7 June) and recent reports in your paper are incorrect in stating that the refurbishment of the official residence of the principal of the University of St Andrews cost £4 million.

The total cost of the refurbishment of University House, completed a year ago, was 1.18 million. When housing markets improve, the planned sale of Braetrees, the residence of the previous St Andrews principal, will considerably offset the costs of refurbishment.

The present principal, Dr Richardson, lives in an apartment on the third floor of the property. The remainder of the building comprises official public reception and meeting rooms, guest accommodation and separate flats for visiting scholars and staff.

NIALL SCOTT

University of St Andrews

St Andrews