St Andrews University is embroiled in a legal battle over its iconic red gown.

The historic institution objects to London-based Student Gowns Limited selling gowns while claiming they're endorsed by St Andrews.

Lawyers for the university have raised an action at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, seeking an interdict to stop the company "passing off its gowns as those of, or authorised by the defender".

They claim the products have been advertised in a way which suggested they were endorsed by or associated with the 600-year-old Fife institution.

The firm, which uses the name Churchill Gowns, is selling ceremonial robes on its website for £99.

Undergraduates were also allegedly told they could receive a free pint at a craft beer pub if they bought the firm's gown from their representatives.

The official version from the university shop costs £159.

The university's legal team claim the rival product is of "inferior quality" and the firm is trying to mislead undergraduates.

Student Gowns Limited denies any wrong doing.

On Friday, at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, judge Lord Doherty sat in a short procedural hearing regarding the case.

He will hear arguments from both sides over two days in June this year.