St Andrews is one of a series of fishing ports along the north shore of the Firth of Forth. Over the years, fishermen and their families have colonised the cathedral end of the town around North Street and Castle Street. This area, now known as ‘Ladyhead’ used to be known as ‘Fishergate’ and had its own separate community. Old photographs of the town show fisherfolk sitting in the streets, mending their nets. Though their houses have been renovated for modern occupancy, the fishing connection endures in a small way, with some fishing boats still using St Andrews as a home port.

The harbour is in more disrepair than it should be. An unused Victorian gasworks running along the Eastern wall of the Cathedral needs to be removed, the flats on the harbour are in need of restoration and much more improvements to the otherwise beautiful view along the East Sands.

The most striking part of St Andrews harbour is the pier. It is student tradition to walk the pier after chapel on Sundays, wearing the famous red gown of the University.

Recently the pier was closed to students and the public due to instability in its foundations. It has partially been re-opened due to the Pier Project (an organisation set up by members of the community to restore the pier) but remains, sadly, dangerously unstable and in need of restoration. Further funding is being sought from the Lottery and other sources.