Historic Map of St Andrews

The Club enjoyed a fascinating presentation from Guest Speakers Professor Margaret Connolly and her husband, Professor Michael Brown, on their new project to develop a historical map of St Andrews. A ‘historic’ map reflects a particular period in time while the ‘historical’ map is quite different, taking a standard scaled Ordnance Survey map, stripping it out and then re-populating it with appropriate historical information all colour-coded to reflect different periods of history. The result is a layered format with a detailed gazetteer of relevant historical information be it public or religious buildings, student life through the ages, cultural traditions and, of course, key milestones in the development of golf. This exciting project is being supported by the Historic Towns Trust, a charity which is encouraging the production of historical maps throughout the UK. Margaret showed the Club how effectively this had been done in York where a fine historical map is already on sale. Given the huge number of tourists who visit St Andrews it is hoped that this new map will provide them with a much deeper and more  comprehensive overview of the town, its architecture, traditions and culture.The mapped narrative will  hopefully introduce visitors to the extraordinary rich history that the town has to offer and which frequently can be ignored by the ever increasing concentration on things golf. It is hoped that the map will be ready by the next Open Golf Chapionship in 2027 and will of course be in a traditional format rather than a digital one. The scope and detail of this project is considerable especially if some of the St Andrews hinterland is included -the former Priory Acres, Leuchars or Guardbridge all of which have close associations  with the town and deserve inclusion. Margaret and Michael concluded by saying how they would welcome any help the Club could give in promoting this very worthwhile project.This was an excellent talk. Jill Craig gave the vote of thanks.