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.

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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

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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

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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

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This beach has over 5 miles worth of deserted golden sand, barring the small gatherings to be found near the car park. It is backed by dunes and Tentsmuir Forest which offers miles and miles of walking and cycling all on the the flat.

Kinshaldy Beach is on the North Sea coast of Fife, just north of Leuchars and only about 5 miles from the Tay Bridge and Dundee and 4 miles south to St Andrews.

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A visit to the lovely sandy beaches and old fishing villages of what King James called 'The Golden Fringe' of Fife is always well worth the trip, especially on the weekends of 2nd and 9th June, when over 30 professional artists open their studios to all.

Half hour's drive from St Andrews (station, Leuchars) or an hour from Edinburgh. Details of open studios: www.eastneukopenstudios.org, or telephone for illustrated brochure, 01333730249

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St Andrews is on the east coast of Scotland, in the county of Fife, north of Edinburgh.

It is best known for golf and the university (of which Prince William is a graduate). However you can visit St Andrews Castle, walk on the long golden beach and visit the nearby Neuk of Fife with its quaint fishing villages.

www.europealacarte.co.uk/Scotland/standrews/index.html

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A blue flag beach of nearly two miles of sand and dunes. You can ape Chariots of Fire and go for a run (the opening scene was filmed here) or just have a leisurely walk. Kite flyers are in abundance on windy days, at the point where the beach curves, near the estuary of the River Eden.

Bring your own bucket and spade, however; there's a merciful shortage of tacky beach shops.

St Andrews
www.fife.gov.uk/atoz/index.cfm?fuseaction=facility.display&facid=F34F9DCE-399D-4C02-97A10D6AC5118C4C

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Inside a rather dour, grey building is The Grill House, a bright and vibrant Mexican-influenced restaurant.
The Grill House is always full - they do a fantastic £4.95 lunchtime menu which changes regularly and their evening menu is crammed full of delights such as pizza, chilli, fajitas, steak and Mexican stew ranging from £6.50 to £14.00.
The atmosphere is friendly and informal and the decor is warm amd inviting so it can't fail to cheer you up on a dark and dismal winter day.

The Grill House, Inchcape House, St Mary's Place.
Tel : 01334 470500
www.grillhouserestaurant.co.uk

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Bonkers is a great gift shop that is wonderful for browsing. It sells jewellery, soft toys, quirky gifts, cards and lots more.

Bonkers, 80 Market Street.
Tel: +44 (0) 1334 473919
www.bonkers-standrews.co.uk

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A St Andrews institution. Jannetta's is an ice cream shop dating from 1908. They make fifty-two flavours of ice cream and they are all wonderful, so much so that people queue along the pavement at the first sign of warm weather in early Spring.

31 South Street, near the corner with Abbey Street.
www.jannettas.co.uk

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