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Written by Robert Clarke - 09 Sep 2007
last update by Alistair Fyffe - 19 May 2016
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Location notes
Cupar (pronounced Cooper), is the second largest town in North Fife, and is located on the Scottish East Coast Main Line. The town is located right in the middle of agricultural country, main employers including Kettle Produce and Quaker Oats. The town is also the home to Howe of Fife Rugby Union club.
Railway type and traffic
Stopping services are provided by Scotrail with a small number in each direction by Cross Country. Scotrail services are 170 or 158 with 170 predominating. A small number of Virgin East Coast services pass through, some at times when lighting is good. Caledonian sleepers early and late, the Down working can be photographed in mid summer. In the summer months the Royal Scotsman 'tourist' train passes through; southbound on Friday mornings.
Freight is all but non existent with only an occasional empty Aberdeen to Oxwellmains cement tanks evening working.
Environment
Cupar is a small compact town, and is fairly safe during the day, as most young people head out to Dundee. At night, it is best to be cautious.
Road directions
Cupar is well signposted on the A92, both north and south, whilst from the M90 coming from Perth, take the exit for Newburgh, and follow the road to Cupar from there. The station is well signposted once in the town. If you are heading from Dundee on the A92, do be aware that the signposted road for Cupar that you come to first is quite twisty, and is also served by Double decker buses! An alternative is to head to the Melville lodges roundabout, further south, and head for Cupar from there.

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Cupar Station map co-ordinates
Parking
The station car park is rarely busy, and costs �1 to park your car there all day. Buy your ticket from the station ticket office.
There is also free parking available in the Fluthers Car Park around 5 minutes walk from the station
Public transport
The station is served by First Scotrail trains and the occasional Virgin Trains service.

The only bus operator serving the town is Stagecoach Fife and the routes include the X24 from Glasgow.

IMPORTANT: Not all Stagecoach In Fife services call at the Railway Station, but instead call in at the Crossgate (Cupar town centre). The town centre is a short walk away from the station. Ask the driver when boarding the bus where it stops, or see the timetables on the Stagecoach in Fife website, or call Stagecoach in Fife on 01334 474238. or 01592 610686.

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Amenities
Cupar town centre is little more than 5 minutes walk away, where there are various shops, banks, and caf�s. For a cafe, Fisher and Donaldson, on the Crossgate, is recommended.
The nearby Corn exchange plays host to a model railway show every year, usually mid to late September.
Accommodation
A few Bed and Breakfasts are available in Cupar. However, there is plenty of accommodation throughout Fife. Given the fact that St. Andrews is only 15 minutes away, you may be able to get accommodation there. If you do choose this option, be aware that it can be pricey, especially when there are golf events on in St. Andrews.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Cupar Station

Googly map
Streetmap links
Cupar Station general view map
Cupar Station close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Cupar Station



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Railway Gen Group
scot-rail.co.uk
Photographic notes
The main road into Cupar from the south crosses the railway at the station, and as a result, there is a two arched bridge. This restricts views of the opposite track looking south from either platform. Looking north, there is a sharp bend, again causing restrictions.
The platforms are long enough for you to be clear of waiting passengers.


General views - All photographs © Robert Clarke unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 4 - Looking north - Image © Alistair Fyffe


Fig 4 - Looking north - <i>Image © Alistair Fyffe</i>

From the down platform end - depending on the time of day/height of sun this shot can be improved by standing at or near the top of the staircase leading up to the road bridge. The fact that there used to be a track (really just an 'internal' loop) between the up and down lines helps to widen the angle. Sun in right place late afternoon and early evening.

Fig 4 - Looking south - Image © Alistair Fyffe


Fig 4 - Looking south - <i>Image © Alistair Fyffe</i>

Taken from the road overbridge which forms the southern boundary of the station. Sun is in right place 'earlish' morning.

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