There’s been ‘an encouraging return‘ as the lockdown restrictions ease from the end of June. We are sharing data that shows the town’s visitor numbers before and throughout the weeks and months affected by Covid-19 …

Simon Baldwin, director of Destination Digital, the company delivering CuparNow, explains: ‘We manage the free Wi-Fi in Cupar. It is not an exact science, but the real-time data we have has allowed us to track a pattern of those in the town centre.’

That data shows that Cupar hit a low point in May when there were just 16% of the numbers pre lockdown. Simon says: ‘In June, we were back to around 38%. What is most encouraging is that – since the easing of restrictions from the re-opening of retail from Monday 29th June – we are now edging above 60%.‘

The graph below shows a forecast for July based on an extrapolation of the first week’s numbers …

And there’s more information CuparNow has been able to collate. Simon adds: ‘We re-started our face-to-face ambassador visits in June – a very significant aspect of our engagement with businesses. The feedback we’re receiving is cautiously positive from those who have re-opened – with a message to be shared loud and clear with those living in and around Cupar: ‘Thank you – and please keep supporting our town’.‘

The image below shows CuapRnow’s Ambassador, Karen Rubidge, capturing content on a visit to Susie Blue Boutique.

Alison Strachan, Chair of the CuparNow steering group, is also owner of Maisie & Mac, the gifts, crafts and contemporary art store in Cupar. Alison says: ‘There’s no doubt customers have shown real loyalty to the town throughout the lockdown and I believe we are well placed as we enter the next phases.‘ Alison adds: ‘Unlike many towns and cities, we are not overly reliant on a single employer, students or visitors. We are an historic market town serving a large rural catchment and, through CuparNow, we have been able to best engage with our audience to showcase all that has been available. That will continue and increase as more businesses re-open.‘

Thank you for reading.