Deputy First Minister John Swinney has this week marked the official start of construction work on the Guardbridge £25 million green energy centre.

The green energy centre which is being delivered by St Andrews University will help to regenerate north east Fife by creating more than 225 jobs in the construction phase.

Visiting the site, Mr Swinney said: “I am delighted to be in Guardbridge today as work begins on this innovative and ambitious project.

“The Scottish Government is using all the levers at its disposal, including through European Funding initiatives, to help regenerate areas and maximise employment opportunities that help achieve sustainable economic growth.”

A state-of-the-art biomass facility will be built on the site of a former paper mill at Guardbridge and will pump hot water from the plant four miles underground to heat and cool laboratories and student residences in St Andrews.

The University has developed the Guardbridge Guarantee as part of the project. This ensures that the project supports apprenticeship and graduate training, creating and sustaining jobs while working with the local community to promote environment and energy projects and local business.

University of St Andrews Chief Operating Officer Derek Watson said: “This is an exciting day for the green energy centre, for the University and for the local community. After years of planning and consultation we are now seeing this project get under way.”