Hamish McHamish the cat

St Andrews has plenty of history, but Hamish McHamish the cat might be the most famous resident the town has ever had. This ginger tabby became a local legend after arriving in the 1970s, wandering the cobbled streets and medieval buildings with the confidence of someone who owned the place. He was everywhere - sunbathing on doorsteps, posing for photos, becoming the unofficial mascot of this university town.

The cat's story is less about a specific location you visit and more about following in his paws through St Andrews itself. You'll pass the spots where he was regularly photographed, the cafes and shops where locals fed him, the quiet corners where he'd settle for an afternoon. It's a gentle way to explore the town if you're after something different from the cathedral ruins and castle.

Historically minded visitors will appreciate how Hamish became woven into St Andrews' identity during a particular era. He died in 1981, but his legend has only grown - there's a memorial stone and the town hasn't forgotten him. Families staying at nearby parks like Craigtoun Meadows or St Andrews Holiday Park will find it a fun alternative to the standard tourist trail, though younger kids might need the story explained to understand why a cat matters.

It's free, it's on your doorstep if you're in town, and it takes as long as you want. Not a detour, really - more a case of seeing St Andrews through a different lens.