St Andrews << back     St Andrews is on the east coast of Scotland, 50 miles north of Edinburgh and 13 miles south of Dundee. The university has been here for nearly 600 years. The origins of the town date from the sixth century. St Andrews has a population of 14,000. Its coastal location gives a dry, sunny, breezy climate.     History     Before the reformation, in the middle of the sixteenth century, St Andrews had a magnificent cathedral dominating the town. Today its ruins and the archbishop's castle are important visitor attractions. The town still has a mediaeval street plan. History is everywhere.     Home of Golf     Golf was first played in St Andrews around 1400. There are now five links courses as well as a nine hole course, a driving range and quality visitor facilities. The Old Course is the most famous. All are open to the public and their variety ensures that golfers of all standards can have a good time. The British Golf Museum at St Andrews is the most comprehensive in the world.     Enjoy the Royal Burgh     There are restaurants and bars down enticing wynds (narrow lanes or passage ways) and interesting shops where courtesy and service are still important. The museums of St Andrews bring the history alive. In the summer there are guided walks or you can explore the ancient town yourself then go past the Royal and Ancient Golf Club and onto the west sands.     Entertainment     The Byre Theatre is a state of the art venue offering an extensive repertoire throughout the year. The New Picture House is an independent cinema with three refurbished screens, very different from the modern multiplex. There are concerts in the university and throughout the town.     Links     St Andrews www.standrewsguide.com/ Golf www.standrews.org.uk/index.htm Byre Theatre www.byretheatre.com/intro2.html Cinema www.nphcinema.co.uk/ St Andrews web cam www.standrews.com/oldcoursecamera.htm New Club web cam www.standrewsnewgolfclub.com/ Please note the University of St Andrews cannot accept responsibility for the content of any external websites.