Libraries & archives
Libraries, Archives and organisations with resources that are relevant to the Heritage of Cupar.
Cupar Library
33-35 Crossgate, Cupar, KY15 5AS
Tel 01334 659367
cupar.library@onfife.com
Cupar Library, the local public library is in the Duncan Institute, a distinctive Victorian building gifted to the town in 1870 by Miss Duncan of Edengrove and opened in 1870. In addition to the wide range of resources and activities that modern libraries provide, within the Duncan Room it holds the local and family history collection for North East Fife. The resources include books, photographs, newspapers, maps, and valuation rolls, all available to researchers.
Fife Archives
Collections Centre, Bankhead, Glenrothes
Tel. 01592 583352
archive.enquiries@onfife.com
OnFife Archives looks after unique and irreplaceable documents that date back over 500 years of Fife history. The Collections Centre operated by Fife Cultural Trust is based at Bankhead, Glenrothes . Visits can be made by appointment. The records of former local authorities, including Cupar Town Council are included in its collections.
St Andrews University Library Special Collections
University of St Andrews Library, North Street, St Andrews, KY16 9TR
Tel. 01334 462331
speccoll@st-andrews-ac.uk or library@st-andrews.ac.uk
The University Library has accumulated printed books, manuscripts, documents and photographs of value to students and researchers, some of which are associated with the University’s foundation in the 15th Century. Material related to Cupar included in the Special Collections are early records of the Burgh of Cupar and many interesting photographs. Researchers should always make contact to arrange an appointment before visiting.
National Library of Scotland
92 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW
Tel. 0131 623 3700
www.nls.uk
Our National Library located at George IV Bridge in Edinburgh is a reference library with extensive collections and is recognised as one of the major research libraries in Europe. It has the benefit of legal deposit of publications. The Map Library Reading Room at Causewayside, 33 Salisbury Place Edinburgh provides the opportunity to consult original maps by appointment. It may be possible to consult particular maps through the library’s digital resources.
Scottish Local History Forum
This is the umbrella organisation for all individuals and organisations interested in local history. It publishes a journal three times a year, a regular newsletter which keeps those involved in local history in touch with Scottish activities. An annual conference normally takes place in the autumn.
National Trust for Scotland
This is the largest member organisation in Scotland and its prime activity is to function as a conservation charity. The NTS champions Scotland’s natural, built and cultural heritage, including a number of castles and houses in the vicinity of Cupar.
Historic Environment Scotland
Archives and Collections, Search Room, John Sinclair House, 16 Bernard Terrace, Edinburgh, EH8 9NX Tel.0131 668 8600 www.historicenvironment.scot
The archives and collections in the care of Historic Environment Scotland includes a significant collection of photographs of sites and buildings across Scotland, including the Cupar area.
Canmore
A service of Historic Environment Scotland, this resource contains more than 320,000 records and 1.3 million catalogue entries for archaeology sites, buildings and industry across Scotland.
Scran
An online service of Historic Environment Scotland, providing educational access to digital images representing our history.
Scotland’s Places
A free resource that lets you explore thousands of records by searching for a place name so that you can find maps, photographs and records about your chosen place.
Organisations associated with Cupar and surrounding area.
Fife Council
St Catherine Street, Cupar, KY15 4HH
Tel 0345 155 5555
Fife Council is the statutory local authority that provides services such as education, roads, social care, planning, housing, recycling and civil registration throughout Fife. Three elected members of the Council represent the interests of the Cupar area.
Royal Burgh of Cupar and District Community Council
This Council represents the Town of Cupar and the villages of Cuparmuir and Foodieash. It is made up from 18 members of the public who have an interest in the wellbeing of their community. Councillors are volunteers and serve for a period of up to 4 years.
Fife Family History Society
Cupar Library, Crossgate, Cupar KY15 5AS
www.fifefhs.org
Fife Family History Society was formed in 1989 and aims to bring people with an interest in the research of their Fife ancestors together. They are a volunteer organisation based at Cupar Library, with a worldwide membership offering advice and regularly publishing resources of interest.
Fife Folk Museum
High Street, Ceres, Fife, KY15 5NF
Tel 01334 828180
info@fifefolkmuseum.org
Fife Historic Buildings Trust
Kinghorn Town Hall, St Leonard’s Place, Kinghorn, KY3 9TJ
Tel 01592 890060
info@fifehistoricbuildings.org.uk
Fife Historic Buildings Trust works with others to find new uses for buildings at risk throughout Fife. Formed in 1997 by Fife Council, it is a charity and company limited by guarantee. Cupar benefited from a five-year programme (2014-2019) that enabled the restoration of some of the finer town centre buildings, including the iconic former Burgh Chambers.
Cupar Development Trust
Cupar development Trust was established in 2015 to promote and coordinate change for the benefit of Cupar and District. Its ambition is to provide a focus for local collaboration in community development, citizenship, the arts, heritage and culture through activities and events for all.
CuparNow
Digital Improvement District
www.cuparnow.blog
CuparNow began as a demonstration project, funded by the Scottish Government, Digital Scotland and Fife Council as one of the Digital Towns Programme 2017-2018. With support from the business community, it became the UK’s first Digital Improvement District in December 2019. Utilising social media, it provides local business and organisations with the opportunity to engage with residents, visitors, and those further afield.
Cupar Arts
Cupar Arts was established to promote, develop and sustain the arts and arts activities in and around Cupar. It undertakes initiatives that showcases artists drawn from local, national and international base with an emphasis on contemporary art and innovation.
Cupar Art Club
Cupar Art Club has members at all levels of experience. The club studio is located at Castlehill Community Centre where members can meet, create, and plan activities. Occasional tutored workshops take place to help members enhance their skills.