St Andrews

Scotland > Central Scotland > Fife > St Andrews

Once the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, St Andrews is now known most widely for its golf courses. It has been described as 'the golfing capital of the world.'

The town was founded on the headland of Kinrimund, where, in around AD 345, St Rule is thought to have landed with the bones of the patron Saint of Scotland; Saint Andrew.

The cathedral, located at the east side of the town, was built in the 12th century and has suffered various disasters, including a major fire in 1559. The nearby Church of St Rule was the first church of the Augustinian canons in Scotland.

On a rock overlook above the town, stands St Andrews Castle, originally built in the 13th century. This has been destroyed and rebuilt many times and now includes a visitor centre.

In the 19th century, with the growth of tourism, agriculture and fishing, St Andrews Harbour came to life and the popularity of golf really took off. Golf has been played in St Andrews since 1553, when the Archbishop granted the townsfolk permission to play the game.