Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ST ANDREWS
POP 14,209
For a small place, St Andrews made a big name for itself, firstly as religious centre, then as
Scotland's oldest university town. But its status as the home of golf has propelled it to even
greater fame, and today's pilgrims arrive with a set of clubs. But it's a lovely place to visit
even if you've no interest in the game, with impressive medieval ruins, stately university
buildings, idyllic white sands and excellent accommodation and eating options.
History
St Andrews is said to have been founded by St Regulus, who arrived from Greece in the
4th century bringing the bones of St Andrew, Scotland's patron saint. The town soon grew
into a major pilgrimage centre and St Andrews developed into the ecclesiastical capital of
the country. The university, the first in Scotland, was founded in 1410.
Golf has been played here for more than 600 years; the game's governing body was
founded here in 1754 and the imposing Royal Ancient clubhouse was built 100 years later.
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