Named for Saint Andrew the Apostle, St. Andrews is situated on the northern east coast of Scotland, about sixteen kilometres southeast of Dundee.
The town's name is derived from the legend that it is the resting place of the bones of the apostle, the story being that St. Regulus carried the pieces to what was then known as Kilrymont, where a shrine was established for their safekeeping and veneration, and the town was named for the shrine of St. Andrews.
St. Andrews is also known as the "home of golf." The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, founded in 1754, had legislative authority over the game worldwide, except in the United States and Mexico, up until 2004, when a new organization was spun off, assuming the game's regulatory functions. The organisation is still in existence, although it does not own any of the golf courses in St. Andrews.
The Old Course at St. Andrews, also known as the Old Lady or the Grand Old Lady, is believed to be the oldest course in the world, and is home to The Open Championship, the oldest of golf's major championships. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews is adjacent to the first tee of the course, although there are several other golf clubs in St. Andrews, such as St. Andrews Golf Club, the New Golf Club, St. Regulus Ladies Golf Club, and the St. Rule Club, each of which have clubhouses with playing privileges on the course. Until the New Course was opened in 1895, it was known as the Golfing Grounds of St. Andrews.
As might be expected, St. Andrews is a popular destination for golfers worldwide.
The area of St. Andrews is believed to have been first inhabited on the fringes of the estuaries of the Rivers Tay and Eden during the Middle Stone Age (mesolithic period) by people who came from Northern Europe between 10,000 and 5,000 BCE. They were followed by nomadic people around 4,500 BCE.
Built in 1160, St. Andrews Cathedral was the most important centre of pilgrimage in medieval Scotland. Pilgrims from all over the country came to be blessed or cured at the shrine of Saint Andrew. As the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, the town gained political and economic influence within Europe.
Established in 1413, the University of St. Andrews is the oldest of the four ancient universities of Scotland, and the third-oldest in the English-speaking world. Today, it is made up of a variety of institutions, including three colleges: United College, St. Mary's College, and St. Leonard's College.
The town fell into disarray during the Scottish Reformation and the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. St. Andrews lost its status as the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, and the University of St. Andrews even considered relocating to Perth in the late 1690s.
By the 18th century, St. Andrews was still in decline, but golfing had become one of its saving graces. By the 19th century, the town began to expand beyond its medieval boundaries.
Today, its economy is bolstered by education, golf, and tourism. Its ancient streets, historic buildings, and coastal scenery make for a popular tourist destination. The ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, the Old Course, St. Andrews Castle, and its cobbled streets and shoppes bring visitors to St. Andrews each year. Additionally, the town is home to the British Golf Museum, St. Andrews Museum, the Byre Theatre, St. Andrews Botanic Garden, and St. Andrews Aquarium.
St. Andrews hosts several annual events celebrating its heritage, culture, and traditions, including St. Andrews Day and the Highland Games.
St. Andrews has several whisky distilleries, and is known for producing some of the finest malt scotches in the world. Distillery tours, master classes, and tastings are also a draw to visitors.
Due largely to weather, the most busiest time of the years for tourists in St. Andrews are the summer months, from June to August. However, summer visitors can expect to deal with large crowds and higher prices. Those who come in late April and May will likely find St. Andrews to be quieter and more affordable, although weather conditions are less predictable.
There is a notable decline in visitors during the winter months, creating a more relaxed atmosphere. During the Christmas season, the town is lit up, with decorated trees on every corner, and there are several holiday events throughout the month of December. Golf enthusiasts will find St. Andrews golf courses to be much quieter, yet open.
St. Andrews is made up of several neighborhoods. Those most appealing to visitors include South Street in the centre of town, which includes some of the oldest and most interesting architecture in St. Andrews. Originally part of the old Fish Market, Fisher Street is known for fisherman's cottages and narrow alleyways. Bordered by the North Sea, the Scores offers views of the coastline, and it also the location of the Old Course at St. Andrews.
Recommended Resources
The site features visitor information for hotels and self-catering in St. Andrews, Scotland. Included are apartments, bed and breakfasts, guest houses, holiday homes, hotels, and lodges within the town and surrounding region. Local attractions and activities in St. Andrews and Fife, including St. Andrews golf courses, are highlighted. Travel tips, maps, and other visitor resources are included, along with an online contact for for further enquiries.
https://www.aboutstandrews.co.uk/
Built in 1764, the St. Andrews, Scotland hotel consists of two Georgian terraced houses, both with the same layout, totaling twenty-two rooms. Situated in the heart of the town, although the hotel does not serve lunch and dinner, its central location places it near a wide range of local amenities, such as shoppes, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Its rooms are described and shown in photographs. Directions, contacts, and a blog are included, and local attractions and events are noted.
https://www.albanyhotelstandrews.co.uk/
Established in 1994 as a rural firm of Chartered Surveyors based in Cupar, the firm expanded and relocated to the centre of St. Andrews, Scotland in 2000. In addition to sales and lettings, the firm offers valuations, surveys, land management services, and property consultancy services, particularly in Fife (St. Andrews, East Neck, NE Fife), Angus, Perth, and Lothians. Homes, commercial properties, and land plots are covered. Telephone numbers and an online enquiry form are available.
https://www.bradburne.co.uk/
Affiliated with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the British Chambers of Commerce, the Fife Chamber is a business membership organisation headquartered in St. Andrews, Scotland, but covering the council area of Fife. A members directory, a list of partnerships, job board, chamber team, and board of directors are listed, along with membership information, subscription rates, sponsorships, a calendar of events, and contacts are noted, including an online enquiry form.
https://www.fifechamber.co.uk/
Constructed in 1897, the Hazelbank Hotel is a ten-bedroom townhouse property within the St. Andrews Conservation Area, about 200 metres from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Originally a private residence for a tea planter retiring from India, the building became a private hotel in the early 20th century. Its rooms and common areas are highlighted, including photos, amenities, features, and room rates. Golfing opportunities, area attractions, special offers, and booking enquiries are included.
https://www.hazelbank.com/
St. Andy's is a small independent property rental business in St. Andrews, Scotland. The company specialises in accommodations for students and staff at the University of St. Andrews, and is not just another St. Andrews letting agency, but the owners of its St. Andrews rental properties. Available properties are highlighted, and their locations are shown on a map. Instructions for students for viewing and securing a property are posted, and contacts are included.
https://standys.co.uk/
Highlighting the history of golfing and golfing opportunities in St. Andrews, Scotland, the home of golf, the website features a history of the sport, and posts career opportunities and contacts, along with local golf courses, clubhouses, facilities, caddie services, and tournaments. Golf, group, corporate, and academy packages are highlighted, along with guided walks of the Old Course, official golf stores, golf lessons, driving ranges, and custom fittings are available.
https://standrews.com/
Located in St. Andrews, Scotland, St. James is a parish of the Archdiocese St. Andrews & Edinburgh. Founded in 1884, St. James serves the Catholic population in St. Andrews and the East Neuk of Fife. Its location, a map, administrative hours and contacts, Mass times, schedules for Confessions, Devotions, and Sacraments are included, along with announcements of social events, pilgrimages, and other events. Its leadership is introduced, and volunteer opportunities are cited.
https://www.stjamesparishstandrews.org.uk/
St. Leonards is a private boarding and day school for pupils 4-19 years of age in St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland. Founded as St. Andrews School for Girls Company in 1877, it became co-educational in 1999. As an IB World School, it offers the International Baccalaureate's Primary Years, Middle Years, Career-related, and Diploma programmes, as well as the English system GCSE/IGCSE. A prospectus, curriculum, school policies, and admissions policies are published, along with video and photo galleries.
https://www.stleonards-fife.org/
Affiliated with the Council of Letting Agents (CLA), Letting Web, SafeDeposits Scotland, Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), and Zoopla, the building management firm in St. Andrews, Scotland specialises in HMO properties, obtaining licenses and management, as well as providing full residential lettings, property management, and investment services. Available properties for rent, and its services to landlords, investors, and tenants are featured, and contacts are listed.
https://www.standrewsletting.com/
The University of St. Andrews is a public university in St. Andrews, Scotland. Founded in 1413, St. And is the oldest of the four ancient universities of Scotland, and the third-oldest in the English-speaking world. Its flexible online postgraduate and short courses are featured, along with its non-degree courses, part-time and full-time degree programmes. Its entry requirements, study options, summer schools, and subjects are featured. Alumni connections are highlighted.
https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/
