Travel

Scotland Prep: The IamWeez Guide to Getting Ready For St. Andrews

Welp. I am getting ready to have myself a week.

Five rounds in five days in Scotland. And yes, that is wrapping up with St. Andrew’s Old Course on the final day before heading back home.

So, with this in mind. I’ve started planning. A caveat.

My version of trip planning is generally just starting a new list in Microsoft To-Do and adding places I might want to stumble into given the chance.

As I prep for my upcoming trip to Scotland, I’ve been doing a deep dive into everything from golf courses and bar culture to what to pack, where to find live music, and how to buy a proper kilt. This post is a running collection of my research—mostly done through ChatGPT—to help plan the trip and maybe help someone else planning a similar adventure. I’ll be adding some YouTube videos later, but for now, here’s where I’m at.

ChatGPT Bars

Q: What are the must-hit bars in and near St. Andrew’s in Scotland?

A: St. Andrews offers a variety of vibrant bars and pubs catering to different tastes. Here are some must-hit spots in and near the town:

Road Hole Bar – Situated in the Old Course Hotel, this high-end bar provides breathtaking views and is ideal for a sophisticated drink.

The Dunvegan – Known as the most famous 19th hole, this pub is decorated with photos of famous golfers and has a lively atmosphere. It can get crowded, so it’s best to arrive early.

The Jigger Inn – Located by the 17th green of the Old Course, this pub offers fantastic views and a cozy setting, making it perfect for golfers and non-golfers alike.

The Central – An “English Pub” with a central bar, specializing in ales and offering a traditional pub experience without any frills.

St Andrews Brew Pub – This is the tasting room for St Andrews Brewery, providing a range of craft beers and a fun, local atmosphere.

The Keys Bar – A whisky lover’s paradise with an extensive selection of over 200 malt whiskies and knowledgeable staff ready to guide you through their offerings.

Criterion – A great spot for watching sports, with TVs showing various games and a lively, social atmosphere.

The Whey Pat Tavern – Popular among students and locals alike, known for its nachos and dart games.

One Under Bar – Located beneath the Rusacks Hotel, this gastro pub offers excellent food and a warm, welcoming environment.

18 – A rooftop bar in the Rusacks Hotel, offering stunning views of the Old Course and beyond, perfect for a more upscale experience.

🏌️‍♂️ Golf Plans and Tees

Courses Booked:

  • The Old Course
  • Kingsbarns
  • Jubilee
  • Crail (Balcomie)
  • Lundin Links

Handicap: 28
Recommended Tees for Enjoyment and Pace:

  • Forward or “Yellow” tees at most courses
  • Kingsbarns & Old Course: Play around 5,500–6,000 yards
  • Local advice says don’t be afraid to swallow your pride; Scotland is about shot-making, not bombing drives

Dress Code Tips:

  • Collared shirts required
  • Golf shorts are allowed, just not athletic gym shorts
  • No denim on the course
  • Bring layers—it’s Scotland

🏖️ Swimming Beaches

Closest Public Beaches to Albany Hotel in St. Andrews:

  • West Sands Beach – iconic, wide open, and where Chariots of Fire was filmed
  • East Sands Beach – smaller and closer to town
  • Tentsmuir Beach – a bit farther, more secluded, great for a peaceful dip

🥃 Scotch, Beer, and Live Music

Recommended Beers to Try While in Scotland:

  • Belhaven Best
  • Tennent’s Lager
  • Innis & Gunn Original
  • Caledonia Best
  • Orkney Skull Splitter (if you like strong ales)
  • Cundie Lager–produced Kingsbarn Golf Course
  • Road Hole Lager and Tom Morris Scotch Ale at St. Andrews
  • Dena suggestions: Caledonia Best and Magner’s Irish Cider

Live Music Options:

  • Vic (The Victoria Café & Pub) – DJs and bands
  • The Rule – occasional live sets
  • Aikman’s Cellar Bar – reliable for good music and good pours

🧳 Packing Tips: Beyond the Basics

Here are things you might not think of, but should bring:

  • Travel adapter (Type G, UK standard)
  • Packable rain gear
  • Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets
  • Golf glove backups (it gets wet)
  • A light daypack for exploring
  • Blazer or jacket if you’re dining somewhere upscale
  • A stash of snacks (if you’re picky or on a specific diet)
  • Small umbrella or windproof hat

👖 Buying a Kilt in St. Andrews

Planning to go full Scottish? Here’s what to know:

  • Shops to Visit:
    • House of Cashmere
    • St. Kilda Store
    • 21st Century Kilts (in Edinburgh if you make a trip there)
  • Cost Range: £250–£500+ for a full set including sporran, hose, flashes, and ghillie brogues
  • Pro Tip: Get fitted early in the trip in case alterations or tailoring are needed

💪 Staying Strong on the Road

Gyms for Powerlifters in St. Andrews:

  • St. Andrews University Gym – day passes available
  • Bodytech Gym – basic but solid, with free weights
  • The Fitness Academy Cupar – a short drive away and more serious gear
  • Kilo Club Gym — Looks like my best option

Auld Lang Syne

Here’s a modern English translation of Robert Burns’ “Auld Lang Syne”, preserving the sentiment and rhythm of the original while making the meaning clearer:

Original (Burns’ Scots version):
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Modern English Translation:
Should old friends be forgotten,
and never remembered again?
Should old friends be forgotten,
and the days of long ago?

Chorus:
For the sake of old times, my dear,
for the sake of old times,
we’ll share a cup of kindness yet,
for the sake of old times.

Original:
And surely ye’ll be your pint-stoup!
and surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Modern:
And surely you’ll buy your pint mug!
And surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll share a drink of kindness yet,
for the sake of old times.

Original:
We twa hae run about the braes,
and pu’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin’ auld lang syne.

Modern:
We two have run around the hills,
and picked the lovely daisies;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since those days of long ago.

Original:
We twa hae paidl’d i’ the burn,
frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin’ auld lang syne.

Modern:
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dinner time;
But broad seas have roared between us
since those days of long ago.

Original:
And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere,
and gie’s a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak a right gude-willie waught,
for auld lang syne.

Modern:
And here’s my hand, my trusted friend,
and give me yours in mine!
And we’ll take a hearty goodwill drink,
for the sake of old times.

The current checklist in To-Do

  • The Physician–cocktail late night bar
  • Kilo Club Gym
  • Spoiled Life–coffee and pastries
  • The Criterion Bar
  • Blackhorn (burgers)
  • Seafood Shack at Dune (lobster rolls)
  • Luvians–Cuban cigars and whisky bottle shop
  • Central Bar
  • St. Andrew’s Castle
  • Tailend–seafood restaurant
  • Cromars–fish and chips
  • Cheesy Toast Shack–yeah, a grilled cheese place
  • R&W Wold Golf Museum
  • Eden Mills St. Andrews Distillery
  • Road Hole Bar–in the Old Course Hotel, high-end bar provides breathtaking views and is ideal for a sophisticated drink
  • 18 Rooftop Bar–in the Rusacks Hotel, offering stunning views of the Old Course and beyond, perfect for a more upscale experience
  • One Under Bar==Located beneath the Rusacks Hotel, gastro pub offers excellent food an d warm, welcoming environment.
  • The Key Bar–Voted best bar in St. Andrews. Whisky lover’s paradise with an extensive selection of more than 200 whiskeys and a knowledgeble staff read to guide you through the offerings.
  • St. Andrew’s Brew Pub
  • The Jigger Inn–located by the 17th green of the Old Course, pub offers fantastic views and a cozy setting. Perfect for golfers.
  • The Dunvegan–known as the most famous 19th hole. Decorated with photos of famous golfers and has a lively atmosphere. Can get crowded, so arrive early.
  • Kingsbarn Distillery–located near the golf course. Most know of the St. Andrews area. Buy: Balcomie.
  • Tom Morris Bar–already have reservations.
  • Rogue–top steakhouse.
  • Brewdog St. Andrews

YouTube Tour

Pubs mentioned: Dunvegan, Jigger Inn, Keys Bar, Tom Morris Bar & Grill, 18 Rooftop Bar.

Jigger Inn, Tailend, St. Andrews Cathedral (& cemetery, Tom Morris grave, Dunvegan, 18, R&A World Golf Museum, Forgans, Janneta’s Gelataria, St. Andrews Brewing Co.

🥇 Best Haggis Spots in St Andrews

1. The Criterion

2. The Jigger Inn

3. Forgan’s St Andrews

4. The Bothy

  • Ranked #4 on haggis spot lists — known for standout haggis pasties .
  • A cozy, Scottish‑centered pub atmosphere.

5. Northpoint Café

🔎 Quick Comparisons

VenueStyleHighlights
CriterionClassic pub/restaurantTraditional haggis with balanced flavor
Jigger InnHistoric golf pubCreative croquettes, burgers & signature ale
Forgan’sUpscale rustic diningHaggis in whisky sauce, hearty Scottish menu
The BothyCozy pubHaggis pasties – portable and tasty
Northpoint CaféCasual café/pubBurritos & haggis twists with royal lore

🧠 Local Tips & Trivia

  • The Jigger Inn is part of golf lore—dating to 1852 and known as one of the world’s most
  • Northpoint Café draws crowds thanks to its connection to Prince William and Kate Middleton—expect queues on Valentine’s Day and weekends
  • Visit a mix of traditional (Criterion) and creative options (Jigger’s croquettes or Northpoint burritos) to truly experience the haggis spectrum.

👣 Final Take

For the most traditional haggis experience, start with The Criterion or Forgan’s. Want to mix it up with a fun, golf‑centric twist? Jigger Inn’s croquettes, burgers, and house ale are a must-try. Add The Bothy for a handheld option, and swing by Northpoint Café for café-style haggis with a side of royal charm.

Yelp Top 10 Restaurants

  1. Tailend Restaurant and Fish Bar
  2. Forgan’s
  3. The Adamson
  4. Little Italy
  5. The Blue Stane
  6. Blackhorn
  7. The Saint
  8. Swilcan
  9. The Doll’s House
  10. Vine Leaf Restaurant

Yelp Top 10 Bars

  1. The Criterion
  2. The Keys Bar
  3. Whey Pat Tavern
  4. Central Bar
  5. The Rule
  6. The Adamson
  7. The Vic
  8. Hams Hame Pub & Grill
  9. St. Andrew’s Brewing Co.
  10. Victoria Cafe

Scotch

Lowland Whiskys in 101 Whiskies To Try Before You Die

  • Aerstone Land & Sea Cask (likely from Ailsa Bay) (2)
  • Auchentoshan American Oak (1)
  • Bladnoch Vinaya (3)
  • Glengoyne 10 (2)
  • Glenkinchie 12 (2)
  • Inchdairnie Rye Law (2)
  • Kingsbarn Dream To Dram (3)
  • Lindores MCDXCIV (3)
  • Old Putney 18 (4)

💬 Final Thoughts

As I keep prepping, I’ll be adding a few curated YouTube videos for visuals—course walkthroughs, pub crawls, and packing guides. I might even do a little vlogging myself while over there. If you’re headed to Scotland and planning to lift heavy, play golf, drink local, and walk the same streets as the legends, follow along. And if you’ve been—drop me your tips.

This is what ChatGPT thinks I look like. I’m probably not going to upload any photos to teach it otherwise.

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