St James's Church
St James's is the Roman Catholic parish church of St Andrews, standing on The Scores right above the shoreline. Designed by the Scottish architect Reginald Fairlie and built in 1910 to replace a corrugated-iron 'tin' church, it is Category B listed and worth a look on a seafront walk.
Photos
Maciej Zurawski
The building
Before 1910 the town's Catholic congregation worshipped in a 'tin tabernacle', a prefabricated iron church. Reginald Fairlie's stone replacement gave the parish a permanent home on one of the best sites in town, facing the sea along The Scores, and it is now protected as a Category B listed building.
A working parish
This is an active parish of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, which also looks after Most Holy Trinity in Crail, and its priest serves as Catholic chaplain to the university. Mass is said most days, with several services across Saturday evening and Sunday, so check the parish website if you'd prefer to look around quietly between services. Visitors are welcome at Mass, and the parish website lists sacraments and special events alongside the regular timetable.
Nearby
The church sits on the seafront promenade, a short stroll from the St Andrews Aquarium, with the cliff-top path leading east towards the castle. Hotel du Vin and Bucks Bar are close by on The Scores and North Street if you want a drink or lunch afterwards. The Scores makes a fine short walk in either direction.
Highlights
- Designed by Reginald Fairlie
- Built in 1910
- Category B listed
- Seafront setting on The Scores
- Active Catholic parish with regular Mass
Good to know
- Mass times change week to week; check stjamesparishstandrews.org.uk before visiting.
- It's a working church, so be mindful of services in progress.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: stjamesparishstandrews.org.uk · en.wikipedia.org