‘Community’ was at the heart of Cupar’s Open Doors Weekend when crowds gathered at Cupar’s Cross to celebrate. Cupar’s Monthly market was in full swing, supported as usual by Cupar & District Pipe Band, and – thanks to support from Cupar Development Trust and Castlehill School – local charity, Three Estates Cupar, hosted speakers on a podium in front of the ancient Mercat Cross …

Making his annual visit from the sixteenth century was ‘Sir David Lindsay of the Mount’, (Frank Quinault), representative of King James V, who was King of Scotland from 1513 to 1542.  He was pleased to meet Mr Robert Balfour, Lord Lieutenant of Fife (below, left), representing our present king,  King Charles III.  Mr Balfour was accompanied throughout his visit by Mrs Jessica Balfour.

The events began with a formal Proclamation to Citizens from the Lord Lieutenant on behalf of the King – and all were supported by Sir David’s Herald, John Sampson (below, right), whose trumpet calls announced and punctuated the proceedings.

Proclamation …

Mr Balfour said: “Cupar’s community is right to celebrate its local heritage. An important part is Cupar’s famous medieval poet, playwright, and carer for the poor – Sir David Lindsay of The Mount: It is good to see him represented here, with his Herald. There will be medieval performances here today, and we are soon to be joined by students from Bell Baxter High School’s drama  group. But the most important message of today is that Cupar cares deeply for the less fortunate in its community.  Cupar’s Food Bank cares for those who need help to support  their families.  Both Castlehill and Bell Baxter care for pupils who need additional help.  Kilmaron Special School, and three special local charities, namely Nurture Steps, The Sunshine Kitchen, and Options In Life, care for young people who have challenging additional special needs. Their work is necessary and impressive, and they deserve support.”

All those ‘caring organisations’ singled out for mention by the Lord Lieutenant gave brief presentations from the podium, explaining their work and aspirations.

Responding to interview questions, Sir David Lindsay explained his life in the sixteenth century, including his schooling in what is now St Catherine Street, and his service to King James V.

Open activities …

There were other opportunities during the celebration weekend.  On the Friday, Fife Council had kindly opened the four historic rooms in the County Buildings, including County Hall with its collection of splendid pictures.

St John’s Church on Bonnygate, welcomed visitors to view their buildings, while St James’s Church in St Catherine Street – built on the site of the medieval St Catherine’s Friary – welcomed the public to its day-long Music Marathon.

Picture caption: above left – members of Bell Baxter High School’s Drama Group on Crossgate with the Lord Lieutenant of Fife. Centre – John Sampson taking part in the music marathon hosted by St James The Great Church on S Catherine Street – and the Lord Lieutenant meeting traders at Cupar’s Market.

Volunteers at Cupar Museum opened it to visitors on all of the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – and Cupar Y and the Youth cafe also staged open events to welcome visitors and showcase their work in the community.

It is now the established tradition that Cupar’s Celebration Weekend is organised on the third weekend of September.

Cupar looks forward to the weekend of 19th to 21st September 2025.

Picture caption: Above left: Euan McLeod of The Sunshine Kitchen, at the Podium – one of the charities and local causes represented with speeches from The Cross to the Market’s assembled customers and visitors. Backed by Bill Pagan, Chair of Three Estates Cupar, with John Sampson and Frank Quinault, aka Sir David Lindsay, looking on. Above right: John Sampson, trumpet in hand, with Lord Lieutenant of Fife, Robert Balfour, at the Market.

Three Estates Cupar a SCIO (SC048967) is established to promote the history and heritage of Cupar & District, and the well-being of the local community.

 

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