Funding snub will not halt plans to develop major site, says trust

A community group is continuing with ambitious plans to clear and redevelop a major site – despite a recent funding blow.

Cupar Development Trust is pressing ahead with plans for a major regeneration of the Inner Court – a large area of land to the rear of Crossgate and Bonnygate.

The pledge comes after the group, set up in 2015 to improve Cupar town centre, failed in a bid to secure Heritage Lottery funding in September.

Speaking ahead of its annual meeting in Cupar tonight, trust chairman David Kirk said: “We are now refocusing efforts to find a formula that will work for the funders and partners.

“The annual meeting will also give an update on the formation of a working group of local organisations to take forward the Cupar Town Interpretive Plan, which was completed earlier this year.”

The number of vacant premises in Cupar has grown in recent months, with the closure of the Royal Bank of Scotland, Pagan Osborne estate agents and Funky Rascal clothes shop.

Mr Kirk said the trust would continue to look for improvement opportunities that might otherwise be missed.

He added: “The trust has no source of independent income and so huge thanks are due to the various public agencies that have grant-aided our projects.

“The projects we are progressing are complex and we have selectively chosen to work with consultants with professional expertise.”

The meeting will be held in the Howe of Fife function room, Carslogie Road, at 7pm.