David Rhind’s Renaissance bank now forms part of the municipal group around Queen’s Gardens.
Quick facts
- Date
- Built 1869
- Architect / designer
- David Rhind
- Type
- Renaissance former bank adapted as municipal offices
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB40840)
- OS grid reference
- NO 50933 16555
Architecture and continuing use
A two-storey and attic composition uses a mansard roof, ordered openings and carved Renaissance detail to project commercial authority on a prominent corner.
Its story
Built for the Commercial Bank in 1869, the building was later adapted for burgh and council offices. Its changing use helps explain the concentration of civic functions around Queen’s Gardens.
Why it is included
The Category B building broadens St Andrews beyond university and ecclesiastical architecture into banking and local government.
What to notice
- Mansard roof and dormers.
- Renaissance window surrounds.
- Relationship with the adjacent Town Hall and gardens.
Reading the surroundings
Treat the building as working council accommodation. Use current service information and do not assume that office interiors are open to casual visitors.
Timeline
- Built 1869 Built for the Commercial Bank in 1869, the building was later adapted for burgh and council offices. Its changing use helps explain the concentration of civic functions around Queen’s Gardens.
- Present Fife Council offices; public access should be checked through current council services.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The Burgh Offices and adjacent Town Hall are separate listed buildings; this record concerns the former bank at number 2.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Former Commercial Bank and Burgh Offices, LB40840 — Designation status, mapped location, construction phases, fabric, authorship and architectural or historical interest.
- Fife Council: St Andrews Conservation Area appraisal — Official identification, urban setting and current civic name of the building.
- Fife Council: St Andrews customer service point — Current council-service context and public contact arrangements in the civic group.
Location
OS grid reference NO 50933 16555 · Location confidence: High: the statutory designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference and the current source confirms the Place relationship or present identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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