St Andrews Pier to Reopen in Time for Gaudie Procession

The St Andrews pier is set to reopen next week, in time for the annual torchlit Gaudie Procession. The medieval pier has been closed since Storm Babet, which caused £3 million worth of damage in October 2023.

In honour of John Honey, a University student who rescued five members of a sinking ship just off East Sands in the early nineteenth century, students and townspeople, led by a piper, parade to East Sands to lay a wreath at the site of the shipwreck. The Gaudie had to take a different route last year, processing down the lower cross pier instead of the traditional main pier.

After a massive fundraising effort, the sea wall breach and walkways have now been restored by the Lochgelly-based company, Realm Construction.

The majority of funding came from a £360,000 grant from the Scottish Government, though the Fife Council and several local trusts also made significant donations, including £20,000 from St Andrews University student community. Online public fundraisers successfully raised £18,700.

There are still ongoing repairs needed on less visible parts of the pier. An estimated £2 million is required to restore the pier’s connection to the cliff, which will involve extensive engineering work.

St Andrews Harbour Trust chairman Ken Sweeney praised the work which has allowed for the pier’s reopening: “After more than sixteen months of closure, the reopening of the pier marks a significant milestone for both St Andrews Harbour Trust and the wider community. The progress made since the storm damage occurred has been nothing short of remarkable.”

“Reopening in time for the Gaudie Procession feels especially meaningful. This beloved and iconic tradition, where students and townspeople gather as night falls, has long symbolised the close bond between town and gown.”

Guy Nichols, convenor of the Gaudie, added, “We are absolutely thrilled our event will return to its former glory with the pier reopening.”

“However, if pier walks are to continue for generations, we need to ensure this beautiful part of Scotland remains protected from further storm damage, so we’ll be doing all we can to encourage more donations to the repair fund as the year goes on.”

Photo by University of St Andrews