Cupar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Map sources for Cupar at grid reference NO3714

The Royal Burgh of Cupar is a burgh in Fife, Scotland, and is Fife's former county town, although in 1975 the administration of the newly-created Fife Regional Council was moved to Glenrothes. Between 1975 and 1993 Cupar was home to the now-abolished North East Fife District Council. The County Buildings in St Catherine Street are still used by the modern Fife Council.

Cupar was established as a royal burgh in 1363 by David II of Scotland and was the location of the 11th and 12th century castles of the Macduffs, thanes of Fife, featured in William Shakespeare's play Macbeth. It was the site of the first Scottish Parliament, organised by Alexander III in 1276.

Notable buildings in the town include the Parish Church of Cupar Old & St Michael of Tarvit, St John's Church and the Fife County Buildings. Nearby are the Hill of Tarvit mansion house and the Scotstarvit Tower.

Cupar is home to four schools: one high school: Bell Baxter High School and three primary schools: Castlehill Primary School, Cupar Education Centre and St. Columba's RC Primary School.

Elmwood College, focusing on Land Based Studies and Golf is located in Cupar. The college includes a farm and golf course. Cupar has an unusual 9 hole golf course on the side of a hill to the South of the town. Stratheden, a large psychiatric hospital is located on the outskirts of the town. Cupar is on the main East coast railway line.

A town in Saskatchewan is named after Cupar.