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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.

 

 

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