Fire hit the Biomedical Sciences (BMS) building in February causing extensive damage to the world-leading research facility.

Since then a specialist university team has worked closely with Portakabin to develop temporary laboratories on its North Haugh campus.

The purpose-built modular building complex will accommodate biology teaching and research laboratories alongside bespoke office spaces.

The units are being built at the Portakabin factory in York. Installation will begin mid-July with construction and specialist internal fit out works due for completion by mid-October, at a cost of £9m.

Next week, over a period of 5 days, the 44 Portakabin modular units, which fit together to create a specialist laboratory complex, will be transported from York to St Andrews and craned into position to create the new building.

Professor Tom Brown, Dean of Science at the University said: “The fire at the Biomedical Sciences building was devastating to not only the researchers, students and staff here in St Andrews, but was also felt across the whole scientific community.

“The construction of the temporary lab facilities ensures that the ground-breaking research carried out within BMS continues and lets the world know that we are open for business, delivering results of real global significance.”

The full extent of the fire damage to the BMS building is still unknown.

Following the clearance works undertaken in the building, including the careful removal of the chemicals and equipment, a full assessment of the damage will take place over the coming months.