Prior to visiting Scotland I knew only two facts about St Andrews, that it was famous for its golf links and that it had a University.
St Andrews is home to Scotland's oldest University, founded in 1413 and the elegant college buildings are found throughout the town.The town is bounded by a number of 'ports'. Port being a Lowland Scots word for a gate. It reminded me of towns and cities I had visited in Belgium.
Remains of a Dominican Friary in South Street.
It got its name from reputedly being the resting place of the bones of St Andrew the Apostle brought to Scotland by St Regulus (or St Rule) The Cathedral of St Andrews (now a ruin) was built in 1160 (and onwards) and became the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland. It stood until the Scottish Reformation and is now managed by Historic Scotland. Most of it you can wander around for free although there is a charge to enter the visitor centre and climb St Rule's tower.
I had intended to climb the tower for the view but there is a turnstile at the bottom and the stairwell was as narrow and inviting as a coffin so I scrapped that idea !
Holy Trinity Church
The rectangular tower behind me is St Rule's tower.
St Andrew's also has a castle on the cliff top. The original castle was built in 1200 but what you see today largely dates from 1549-1571. Again it is managed by Historic Scotland and there is an entry charge. However you can get some quite good photos from the outside or from down on the beach.
I was amused to see notices on the cliff path informing University students that they were NOT to dunk each other in the sea pools post exams. I wondered exactly how you were meant to enforce that rule !
As always we ran out of time to see all that the town has to offer. There is a botanic garden, aquarium and museums to explore as well as miles of coastline. If you find yourself in this part of Scotland then do make time to visit-you won't be disappointed.
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