What we do
A decade of 'doing' ...
Cupar Development Trust’s flow of projects and achievements has been guided by evidence-based work – a series of programmes that have engaged with a wide variety of partners and stakeholders to ensure all that we do is measured, evaluated and delivered for community benefit.
The programme that helped us to launch was a report by the Built Environment Forum Scotland following a visit to the town in July 2014. This led to the creation of CDT the following year and the Trust’s first major project ‘Cupar Could’ – a Charrette (a local planning consultation) held in 2016 that explored development opportunities across the town.
Filling the void
The gap site in the Bonnygate had been an eyesore for several years following the demolition of an unsafe building.
The Trust submitted proposals for this site to Charrette. The community engagement with partners and stakeholders resulted in a proposal to develop the site – proposals we supported to improve the use of the land between the Bonnygate and Kirk Wynd, and improve its value for the community.
Once completed, it will restore an attractive frontage on Bonnygate, demolish or develop derelict buildings in and around the Bonnygate car park, and create much needed affordable housing – as well as one shop on the Bonnygate frontage. It will also open up neglected historic closes to create better access through into Crossgate, and create a new close from Bonnygate to Kirk Wynd.
Inner Court is planned by Kingdom Housing Association (KHA) and their architects, Sinclair Watt. The next stage will include an archaeological investigation, where it is hoped members of the community, and school pupils, will be welcome to take part.
Another message received loud and clear from the Charrette was that Cupar’s arrival, orientation and interpretation signage needed to be updated and extended.
Fife Council funded a major project – delivered jointly by the Trust, Cupar Heritage, and CMC Consultants – providing a digital map of the town, onto which heritage and other interpretation (walking and cycling routes, disabled-friendly accesses and visitor information) was overlaid.
Seven panels were installed, all with QR Codes to give quick access to digital information. You can read more on this and enjoy the interpretive panels on the town’s Blue Plaque Trail via the CuparNow blog feature on this link.
The above projects led in turn to the Cupar Interpretive Plan (2017), the implementation of which drove much of the Trust’s work for the next few years – working very closely with partners, including Cupar Heritage & Museum and Three Estates Cupar SCIO (SC048967). Many of the events organised during Cupar’s Celebration Weekends 2021-2023 included activities inspired by the plan.
More recent events and activities are covered in more detail under our News section. Simply click on News in the site’s menu – or on this link – to read more.
Walking the walk ...
Our News section carries the latest information on the Trust’s work and projects. You can also follow us on Facebook where we share regular updates not only of our work but also of our community partners and stakeholders.
The following is a chronological list of key reports covering projects we have helped to shape and/or deliver over the years.