Council Election 2017

Cupar

Cupar is the historic county town of Fife and residents are proud of its heritage and place at the heart of North-East Fife’s agricultural industry.

It faces the prospect of massive expansion over the coming years, with potential construction of more than 1,400 homes and a relief road.

Cupar North, as the development area is known, would also see land set aside for a new primary school, business and employment facilities plus expansion of GP and hospital services.

It’s likely the new councillors will be charged with making important and complex decisions on Cupar North early in their term.

The consortium of construction firms bidding to build the houses is awaiting determination of its planning application.

Cupar North is an issue which has dominated debate in the town for more than a decade, having first been proposed when the 2007 Fife Structure Plan was being prepared.

Another issue the new threesome of councillors will be keen to influence is the preservation of college education in the area.

A question mark has hung over the future of SRUC Elmwood since the withdrawal of Fife College from the campus, formerly Elmwood College, last year.

Land-based courses at Elmwood support training for agriculture and golf, important components of the local economy. SRUC has insisted it has no plans to withdraw from Cupar and it is actively recruiting new students.

It is to finalise its new model by the autumn, which it is expected will make clear intentions for Elmwood.

The rural Cupar ward also includes several surrounding villages and hamlets, including Dairsie, Pitscottie, Ceres and Craigrothie.