Skip to content

Pier walk

The Pier Walk is one of the oldest traditions of the University of St Andrews and the first that students encounter as they start their studies at the university. It happens every Sunday, where students wear the iconic red gown and walk down the pier to climb the ladder at the end and walk back along the narrow path on top. It is said that the tradition started in honour of John Honey who rescued 5 crew members of the shipwreck of Janet of Macduff on 3rd of January 1800. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many students have been unable to take part in this ancient tradition as they completed their studies remotely. This virtual tour provides a remote experience of the pier walk.