St Andrews Cathedral

We don’t know a huge amount about St Rule (also known as St Regulus), but he is thought to have transported the bones of St Andrew to Scotland from the city of Patras, in modern-day Greece.

Tradition has it that St Rule had no set destination, knowing only that he should take the relics as far away as possible for safekeeping. Wherever he ended up, he would establish a great church dedicated to St Andrew.

It’s said that a storm caused him to become shipwrecked on the shores of Fife, near a small Pictish settlement that grew into the town of St Andrews.

The imposing St Rule's Tower provides spectacular views across the town. It was, and still is, landmark and a beacon for pilgrims heading for the shrine of St Andrew.

Read more stormy stories on the HES blog

St Andrews is a town synonymous with golf so it's fitting that the cathedral serves as the resting place for some true golfing greats, including Allan Robertson (1815-1859) and Tom Morris (1821-1908).

Robertson is considered to be one of the world's first professional golfers and was recognised as the very best player in the game during his lifetime. After his death, a competition was held to determine who would succeed him as "Champion Golfer". This competition is still held annually as The Open.

Old Tom Morris, known as "Old Tom Morris", was Robertson's apprentice and just as prolific a golfer. As playing partners, the pair were known as "The Invincibles". Morris came second in the inaugural Open Championship, going on to win it the following year. Old Tom Morris is buried beside his son, Young Tom Morris, another accomplished golfer.

Many golfers head to the cathedral to pay their respects to the former greats before playing a round on one of St Andrews' famous courses

Read more about Old Tom Morris on the HES blog