Pro Amicitia Et Litteris
We have been hard at work creating a new logo. This honours our long-standing connection with the Students' Association and University of St Andrews, whilst emphasising our history, traditions and debating excellence. And as always, we remain open and free for all students.
Guiding Identity
The slogan "Pro Amicitia Et Litteris" which surrounds the crest guides decision making. The historic elements from the University of St Andrews and Kingdom of Fife alongside the sword and gavel distinguish the UDS as the oldest - and some might say finest - society in the University.
Subtle Hues, Harmonious Elegance
Our colour palette draws from the rich heritage and coastal character of our society's home. The deep navy reflects the strength and tradition of Scotland’s historic academic institutions, while blue symbolises the pristine surface of the North Sea. Burgundy adds warmth, symbolizing passion, debate, and the courage to challenge ideas. Gold introduces a touch of prestige, representing the pursuit of excellence and intellectual achievement. Finally, warm white provides balance - a calm yet powerful tone that echo the sea’s changing light along the Fife coastline. Together, these colours tell a story of legacy, resilience, and the vibrant spirit of debate.
Neutral
#F5F5F5
Warm White
Accent
#A4C4F9
Blue
Accent
#D4AF37
Gold
Primary
#001F3F
Deep Navy
Secondary
#7D1128
Burgundy
The Process
Designing a new logo is a huge responsibility. A society as old and prestigious as the UDS ought not change its identity - rather its history must be brought out and treasured. The process of designing a new logo was therefore carried out delicately. As all students of the University are members of the UDS automatically - we thought it a necessity to involve everyone. Many wonderful designs were submitted during the crest competition in January of 2025. From this, the committee embarked on a long process in transforming these concepts into final designs, and ultimately voted on one in April of 2025. The new logo designs, colour scheme and typeface are big changes - however we believe that they both lean into our history and craft a unique identity for the UDS in St Andrews.