St Andrews named top Scottish university in guide

THE University of St Andrews has been named the best in Scotland and fourth best in the UK in an annual guide.

University of St Andrews graduates at the town's harbour. Picture: Jane Barlow

• St Andrews ranked 4th in UK in Good University Guide

• Edinburgh and Glasgow in top 25

• Aberdeen, Strathclyde and Dundee in top 50

The UK ranking equals St Andrews’ best ever spot in the Good University Guide, which is produced by The Times and The Sunday Times.

It comes just after the institution celebrates its 600th anniversary with honorary degrees bestowed on the likes of former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton and former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

The Fife university features on the cover of both the UK and Scottish editions of the guide, which has drawn up university league tables since the 1990s.

St Andrews principal, Professor Louise Richardson, said: “The timing of this announcement, as we reach the conclusion of our 600th anniversary celebrations, is auspicious.

“Luck, however, has absolutely nothing to do with the achievement itself.

“It is due entirely to the talent and dedication of all who work and study here; our academic schools, our service units and our students, who are the ultimate ambassadors for the unique blend of research-led teaching which is at the heart of the St Andrews mission.”

Earlier this year, an economic assessment found that St Andrews generates more than £484 million per year for the Scottish economy and supports more than 9,000 jobs.

The Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow were ranked 22nd and 25th on the UK league table respectively. The Universities of Aberdeen, Strathclyde and Dundee were also listed in the UK top 50.