Tour St Andrews on a relaxing small
group vacation of my homeland

" I look forward to showing you my historic
Scotland, as only a native Scot can. "

St Andrews is a matchless blend of past and present. As a town it has no equal in Scotland. Its ecclesiastical connections began at least as early as 747; the burgh came into being about 1144; the University, the first in Scotland, began in 1411. Golf was a recognized game there in 1552.

The history of St. Andrews is crowded with incidents which punctuate the cavalcade of Scottish history, and the growth of Scottish institutions and culture, with the names of famous prelates, martyrs and reformers and their deeds to be found in all quarters of the town.

Of the many historical buildings of St. Andrews, first to be noted must be the Cathedral, which founded in 1160 and then consecrated in 1318, was by far the largest church in Scotland before its destruction at the reformation. The adjoining Priory was similarly the most important monastic foundation of its time. The Castle, founded in 1200 as a fortress and home of the Bishop of St. Andrews, possess the unusual feature of a bottle dungeon. From the Castle, Archbishop Beaton watched George Wishart burn at the stake, himself to perish at the hands of an assassin soon afterwards.

The United College, principal center of University life, stands on the site of St. Salvators College ( 1450 ) and includes the old tower and collegiate church. The ancient thorn close to St. Marys College is said to have been planted by Mary Queen of Scots. The University Library building contains the old hall in which the Parliament of Scotland met in 1645-46. These are but a very few of the colorful links with Scotlands brave past, and the whole is wrapped in a quiet awareness of the age-old pride and dignity which no other town in the country can hope to meet or beat.

For more than a hundred years St. Andrews has been famed as a holiday resort, not only on account of its golf, but also for its history, scenery and its equable and invigorating climate. It is almost unnecessary to say that the Royal & Ancient Golf Club is the premier golf club in the world. All the courses are an immense attraction to vacationers, and it is the ambition of every golfer to play on the world famous " Old Course."

There are many putting greens in different parts of the town, and abundant facilities for tennis, lawn bowling, swimming and boating. Indeed it is to be doubted whether there is in Britain a stretch of beach to equal the magnificent two-mile stretch at the West Sands. Almost equally appealing are the East Sands and Kinkell Braes, a stretch of rocky foreshore much enjoyed by young and old alike.

St. Andrews can best be seen on foot. Start at the old harbor and walk up to the Cathedral and Castle and the onwards to the " Old Course " and beach. A further walk up North Street, Market Street and South Street will provide the walker with an opportunity to visit most of the best sites in St. Andrews

For the Independent Traveler to Scotland we also offer help with Airfares, Hotel Packages, and Rail Travel.

Leave The Herd Behind With A Small Group Tour of Scotland

All my small group tours of Scotland, which often include my native Fife, are paced for discovery and understanding, not just notching sites. Each small group is limited to an absolute maximum of 18 people, with a typical small group being just 6 or 8 people. I prefer to guide these small groups through Scotland in a relaxing manner, staying at two or three base locations from which we can visit places of interest - and not have to move luggage every day.

Tour Scotland guests tend to be travelers rather than tourists, enjoying seeing behind the tourist facade, while visiting with " locals " and seeing sites not normally seen by the regular tourist. Many group members visit Scotland to trace their Scottish ancestry; others to golf or fish; most come to simply enjoy the beautiful scenery, historic buildings and gardens, and most of all, to meet and enjoy the people of Scotland. My Tours of Scotland can be best described as being " couthy. " It's a Scottish word meaning " gentle."

What goes into an unforgettable Tour of Scotland ? Lots of great scenery, for sure. Perhaps also a smidgen of something you can't quite put your finger on, but nevertheless creates a lasting impression. Maybe a piper playing in the pub; perhaps a conversation with a local; a shepherd working his dogs; fishermen landing their catch. All my previous group members have their own lists of defining moments. I wonder what yours will be ?

Any time from April through October is a really good time to Tour Scotland. Spring and early summer are my particular favorites. Forests, fields and glens offer a wonderful array of colors during that time of year, while the long Northern days of sunshine let you get out and enjoy it. There is also no shortage of things to do as all the best attractions are already open, and are far more relaxed away from the mid-summer crowds, whilst in the cities the Arts season is in full swing. But whenever you visit, you're always guaranteed a warm welcome in my Scotland. June through August is the best time to attend Highland Games on a Tour Scotland tour.

Here's a built by a couple of Tour Scotland members from last year. I think you will find the site interesting and informative. A Journey Through Scotland. For my latest Tours of Scotland photos click: May 2003 or Loch Ness.

Tour Scotland group members will have the opportunity to shop, play golf, visit local pubs and simply go for walks and enjoy local sights and sounds. Let me know your reasons for wishing to Tour Scotland, and see if I can best fit your needs. If you would like to visit independently, or as part of a small group tour, or on another Tour of Scotland, please e-mail me:

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Sandy Stevenson All rights reserved 2000.