

A conversation held late one night as a first year student in St Andrews demonstrates the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights in the UK:
Jenny: Look, the aurora borealis!
Me: No Jenny, you're drunk!
Jenny: I'm not drunk I'm an astrononomoner... an astronomy student!
Me: You're drunk. You'd have to have awfully good eyesight to see the aurora from here... oh wait... the sky is unusually green...
I recommend the Botanical Gardens or the beaches and coastal walks as good viewing places, because of the lack of light pollution and the general good atmosphere.
Artery Gallery is a contemporary gallery which sells jewellery, paintings, ceramics, sculptures, glassware, clocks, mirrors and photo frames. It's a really nice gallery - all the work is really fresh and unique. Loads of the artwork for sale in here is very new, never seen before art. They have lots of different styles of paintings - seascapes, landscapes, figurative, abstract - and it's all original. They don't sell prints, which is great, because you know you are guaranteed to get something original here.
It doesn't have that stuffy 'have to whisper' feels about it, nor does it have that intimidating oh-so-trendy 'too cool for school' feel about it! It's a totally different approach to a gallery.
The owner and staff are really friendly and helpful, and know so much about the art on sale here. It's obvious they know all their artists really well. They are really enthusiastic, and don't put pressure on you to buy.
There is such a huge selection of goods here, it would be great if you are re-decorating and need new artwork, or if you are looking for a wedding gift, or even just a wee treat for yourself. They ship all over the world, so if you see something you like while you are on holiday - you can still get it!
I stay quite close by, so I always go here if I'm looking for a gift for someone. It's great because they have such a wide price range, so there is always something suitable. I'd really recommend it if you're ever in St Andrews.
Artery Gallery
43 South Street
St Andrews
Fife KY16 9QR
01334 478221
www.arteryuk.com
The nearest railway station is Leuchars, and you can get a bus every 15 minutes from there to St Andrews
That is how King James described the coastline of the East Neuk of Fife. For two weekends, the 6-7th and 13th-14th June, thirty artists in the area open the doors of their studios to the public. Although many are painters, attracted by its superb scenery and wonderful skies, there are also ceramicists, a weaver, a textile artist and a jeweller. There is also an exhibition of the artists’ work at the Byre Theatre, St Andrews from 27th May until 19th June.
An hours drive from Edinburgh, twenty minutes from St Andrews
An illustrated brochure with maps can be down-loaded from www.eastneukopenstudios.org, or telephone 01333 730249
Shops: There is a small selection of shops in St Andrews, it's a great place for tartan products such as kilts and also for golf products.
Attractions: Golf is the main one but the old cathedral and castle are well worth a visit, they are both located next to each other.
Nightlife: There are no clubs in St Andrews but there is a great selection of bars, The Gin House and Ma Bells are two popular places.
Eating: There is a large selection of fine dining options in St Andrews, but if you are on a budget then The Grill House offers well priced food.
Accommodation: For a small town there is a large selection of five-star hotels, The Old Course and Fairmont are the two best hotels. For those on a tight budget try The St Andrews tourist hostel or one of the many B&Bs.
www.visit-standrews.co.uk/
www.roomsinscotland.com/Fife_Region/St-Andrews.asp
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
Your tips about St Andrews
Most popular tips about St Andrews
Posted by Accaber
Posted by Accaber
Posted by Accaber
Posted by amhurstbrigade
Posted by Accaber
Posted by pu55cat
Posted by Whitney
Posted by karenbryan
Posted by nab82ba
Posted by Whitney