Saint Andrews, burgh in central Scotland, in North East Fife District, Fife Region, on Saint Andrews Bay (an inlet of the North Sea). Formerly a fishing port, it is a resort and an international golfing center with several renowned golf courses. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded here in 1754, is a recognized authority on the rules of golfing. In the town are the ruins of Saint Andrews Cathedral (begun 1160) and a castle (1200?). The University of Saint Andrews, the oldest in Scotland, was founded here in 1411. In the 8th century the relics of Saint Andrew, who was adopted as Scotland's patron saint, were brought to the community here. The town became a bishopric in 908 and an archbishopric in 1472; it was the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland until the Reformation in the 16th century. Population (1991 estimate) 69,181.
