The old town of St. Andrews grew around the Cathedral . Its great east windows and surviving foundations give the impression of the size and splendour of the edifice. The Cathedral was founded in 1160 by Bishop Arnold, but the turbulence of medieval Scotland delayed its completion until 1318.

The most significant land-mark of the Cathedral grounds is St Rule's tower, named after the Greek monk who is reputed to have brought the bones of St Andrew to Fife. The relics gave St Andrews its name and made it famous as the centre of the Scottish Church.

St Rule's was the first church of the Augustinian Priory. The 108-feet tower (33m) has been a welcome sight to mariners and others for over 800 years.

A combination of funds from Fife Enterprise and Heritage Scotland have, over the past few years, begun to restore grounds around the Cathedral. More needs to be done to restore and maintain the grounds leading to the harbour.