Scotland's 'oldest town' that was once called Muckness with fascinating history

This year marks the 900th anniversary of Edinburgh, with a number of high profile events in the capital celebrating the occasion.

The 'birthday' relates to the new system of government that was brought in by King David I in 1124. On this date, Edinburgh was officially declared a royal burgh along with Berwick, Dunfermline, Roxburgh and Stirling.

As reported by the Scottish Daily Express, Berwick-upon-Tweed has been in English control since 1482. Meanwhile, little remains of the original Roxburgh.

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However, there is one Scottish town that has a history going back much further than 1124. In fact, the settlement is believed to date all the way back to the Roman era.

Throughout the years, the town has had many names such as Kinrimund, Muckross and Kilrymont. Today, it is known as St Andrews.

The story of St Andrews goes back to the year 345, when St Rule — or St Regulus — sailed from Greece carrying the bones of St Andrew. He is said to have been told to take the remains to the ends of the earth by an angel, who also said that he should find a church wherever he shipwrecked.

During his journey, St Rule traversed the Mediterranean, the Bay of Biscay, the English Chanel, and the North Sea. However, he eventually shipwrecked on what is now the coast of Fife.

At this time, there was already a Pictish village at the site that was named Kinrimund — meaning 'Head of the King's Mount'. Meanwhile, the wider local area was called Muckross.

Centuries later, around the middle of the 8th century, the new settlement had become a popular pilgrimage site. This occurred after the cross of St Andrew reportedly appeared to the Pictish king Angus mac Fergus prior to a battle with Northumbrian King Athelstane.

The Picts triumphed in the battle, which took place near what is now the village of Athelstaneford in East Lothian. A monastery and later a church was constructed on the site, including the bones of St Andrew.

St Regulus church was erected in 1070, part of which survives today as St Rule's tower. This was followed by St Andrews Cathedral in 1160 and the university in 1411, with the former now in ruins.

According to the Scottish Daily Express, other settlements such as Perth claim to be Scotland's oldest town. Meanwhile, Skara Brae in Orkney dates back to the Neolithic era.

However, many of these early settlements would not be considered a 'town' in the modern sense. That is why many believe St Andrews is the rightful owner of the title.

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