Cupar - Landmarks

Landmarks

Old Gaol Designed by James Gillespie Graham as a prison and built 1813-14. After closure in 1844 it was used by the militia. Purchased by William Watt (seedsman) in 1895 and occupied by that firm until 1988. Currently trading as Watts of Cupar, a very popular Family Bar, Restaurant & Function Suite.

The historic hub of the town centre, is the junction of Bonnygate and the Crossgate. This is where the town's mercat cross which dates from 1683 is located with the original shaft being supported by a unicorn. To the east is St Catherine Street, is home to the burgh chambers and county buildings, both designed by Robert Hutchison. The Category B listed burgh chambers built around 1815 and 1818 contain a three storey bow street corner and a robust domic entrance. The adjacent Category B listed county buildings built between 1812 and 1817 are unique in Fife for being the only example replicating the style of buildings in the New Town of Edinburgh. The Category B listed tower of the corn exchange can be seen across the skyline of the town.

At the east end of St Catherine Street is the Category B listed Cupar War Memorial in a classical Greek style overlooking the Cart Haugh, one of several to be designed by John Kinross with assistance from leading contemporary sculptors, for the exception of the Victory statue which was done by HS Gamby. The memorial was first unveiled by Field Marshal Earl Haig in 1922 and then again for the addition of the World War II memorial in 1950 by the Earl of Elgin. Nearby on Coal Road is a former Category B listed classical style prison building built between 1813 and 1814.

On the bonnygate, the Category A listed Preston Lodge built by the Laird of Airdrie is the second oldest building in the town. The date of 1623, when the house was first built, is inscribed on a stone on the west wall. The house was extended in 1702 by James Preston and was remodelled by William Preston, a London goldsmith in 1765. Later, the Reverend Sir James Preston occupied the house between 1775 and 1791, when he was the minister of the Cupar Old Parish Church. The original design of the building is believed to have been inspired by Culross Palace in Culross. Situated at the corner of the Crossgate, the Category C(s) Listed Duncan's institute was built around 1870-71 as a mechanics' institute for the "working classes of Cupar" by Mrs Duncan. The building, a mixture of Gothic, Scottish and Flemish styles is recognised in the town for having a twisted spire. On the Kirkgate, is the Parish Church of Cupar Old and St Michael of Tarvit, designed by the architect, Hay Bell. This consists of the Category A listed Parish Church tower dating from 1415 and the Category B listed main church building from 1745. The tower is the only surviving piece of the old Cupar parish church, founded by the priory of St Andrews.

To the south of the town on the A914 and A916 is the Category A listed Hill of Tarvit mansion house and nearby Category A listed Scotstarvit Tower. The Hill of Tarvit was formerly known as Wemyss Hall, designed by Sir Walter Bruce around 1692. When the house was sold in 1904, Robert Lorimer was commissioned to design a bigger house in size compared to the existing Wemyss Hall to be able to hold the owner's French architecture. This was completed around 1907 and 1908, granting the present name Hill of Tarvit. The interior of the house which showcased the owner's love of antique furniture ranging from Flemish tapestries; Louis V; Louis XI; English and Scottish have been considered by many to be Lormier's best work. The service accommodation is the most fascinating aspects of the house which shows the range of rooms and equipment used by a family, prior to the First World War. Situated between the Tarvit and Walton Hills, is Scotstarvit Tower, a well-preserved simple L-plan early 17th century tower house of five stories and an attic.