St Andrews Cathedral NO 516166 59 HS Augustinian cathedral priory Christian worship at this spot began around 800 AD when the Celtic “Culdees” (Companions of God) established a makeshift church at the harbour entrance. This was replaced with the church of St. Mary-on-the-Crag whose outline, outside the cathedral walls is still evident. It is probable that the relics of St. Andrew were kept at that site. The Bishopric was transferred from Abernethy in 908. Bishop Robert an Augustinian canon enlarged the reliquary church now known as St Rule’s as his new Cathedral church and established a priory of Augustinian canons to serve it. He also started the process of transferring power from the old Celtic religious house to the priory. The building was consecrated in 1318, but had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1380
The tower of this first Cathedral of St Andrew still dominates the St Andrews skyline. Beside it are the remains of the second Cathedral and the largest church in Scotland, the Augustinian Priory . The precinct walls are well preserved