Saint Andrew was, and still is, the Patron Saint of Scotland. He was the focus of attention for thousands of medieval pilgrims who made their way to the town of St Andrews in Fife. Why?

Two thousand years ago, Andrew - one of Christ’s apostles, was merely doing what he’d been told. He was spreading the Good News [Gospel]. The year 60 AD found him in Greece, persuading two ladies to be baptised into the faith. Unfortunately for Andrew, the husband of one lady disapproved, and he was in a position to do something about it. He was the Roman Governor of the province. Andrew was crucified on the familiar X-shaped cross.

Our book, "The Saint Andrew’s Way" outlines theories of how Andrew’s relics got to St Andrews. To the early church, relics were hugely important. The people changed the name of the town and built a cathedral to house the relics. It was made to impress: the largest building in medieval Scotland, though the relics could have fitted in the bottom of a handbag! Our ancestors did the right thing by going to visit their saint: to worship at his shrine; be cured; and to arrange to get to Heaven as soon as might be. It was a money-spinner for the church - wrecked by the reformation.

The pilgrimage was re-invented to celebrate the year 2000. The book’s author was on the organising committee. It was such FUN that we’ve made a permanent route to St Andrews to cater for modern pilgrims. Buy the book to find out more!