Historic Fife town recreated for popular flight simulator game

But when St Andrean Toby Malcolm discovered that his hometown was not properly recreated for the game, he set about learning how to recreate it himself.

The game uses AI and real-world data to map the world – including real-time weather – but the technology struggles with historic buildings and unique landmarks, a particular issue for a town like St Andrews.

“It doesn’t do historic places like St Andrews and Edinburgh very well,” said Toby.

“It struggles with historic buildings. St Andrews didn’t look anything like St Andrews. The golf course was covered with trees.”

Toby had no experience modding a game, but set about learning how to make the changes himself.

"I play the simulator a lot and I started messing with the tools,” he said. “I’d seen people doing it online and thought I’d teach myself how to do it using online tutorials.”

Using images of the town, Toby was able to find the 3D data required to bring St Andrews to life. He then imported it into the game, before making the necessary changes so it would work.

It took him a week to complete the entire process.

As well as recreating St Andrews, Toby has also made better versions of Glasgow and Edinburgh, where he lives now.

"Edinburgh and St Andrews were the two areas I wanted to cover properly,” Toby said. “I wanted to make the house I grew up in.

"I’d never done anything like this before for a game, but I just thought it would be an interesting challenge.

"It was a challenge but it was really fun.”

The game has recently added fighter jets to the experience, allowing gamers to take off from Leuchars Station and fly across Scotland.

"You can lose yourself playing these games,” Toby added.

"It’s a really realistic game. You don't need to know how to fly to play it but there is a learning curve. It’s an incredible world they have created. It’s photo-realistic.”

If you would like to download the St Andrews mod, visit – flightsim.to/file/4254/standrews-version-2-scotland