Cupar has been named as the top choice in Scotland for home-buyers.
Property website Right Move has ranked the Fife market town second only to Frodsham in Cheshire as the most desirable town of its type in the UK.
And it’s the only place north of the border to make the site’s top ten.
Locals say Cupar punches above its weight but just what is it about the town that makes it a desirable place to live?
With some help from digital improvement company CuparNow, we look at seven reasons to move there.
1. Community
Cupar has a fantastic sense of civic pride and is home to a large number of community groups and organisations.
They work together and held a celebration weekend in September and are now planning a civic week in June to coincide with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
And both could become annual events.
According to Bill Pagan, chairman of Cupar Development Trust, locals are very welcoming and are delighted when people move to the town.
2. Shops and businesses
There are more than 450 businesses in Cupar selling pretty much everything and providing the services everyone needs.
As well as a host of independent shops, there are four supermarkets, as well as award-winning restaurants, cafes and pubs.
Bill says the variety of businesses makes life easier for people.
“I can get anything done within about a five to six minute walk,” he says.
3. Transport
Cupar is easy to get to and it’s simple to get to other areas of Scotland from there.
The railway station in the centre of town is on the main east coast rail line with direct trains to Dundee and Edinburgh.
And not only that, but bus links are good too – there’s even a direct bus to Glasgow airport if you’re dreaming of a longer trip.
4. Sport
Cupar may be a small town, but is home to a large number of sports clubs.
Howe of Fife Rugby Club has women’s and veterans’ teams as well as the traditional men’s team.
But if rugby isn’t your thing, you could try football or archery, or even play at one of the two golf courses.
There’s also a swimming pool, tennis and bowls and, with plans for a skate park, there’s something for all ages.
5. Health and wellbeing
There’s Adamson Hospital and a health centre.
However, beyond that, there’s a range of private healthcare support, from chiropractors and osteopaths to physiotherapists and opticians.
And if keeping fit in the countryside is your thing, then there are plenty of walks and trails to keep you happy.
Meanwhile, nearby Cairnie Fruit Farm and the Scottish Deer Centre will help the kids burn off excess energy.
6. Education and training
Pre-school nurseries, two primary schools and a high school cater for the younger members of the community.
But Cupar is also home to SRUC’s Elmwood campus for those looking to work in the outdoors.
In addition to that, the Sunshine Kitchen provides training for adults with additional needs.
7. Environment
Cupar sits on the River Eden and is surrounded by farms that produce some of Scotland’s best ingredients.
The town has a sustainability group that works on many projects and helps people live in an environmentally-friendly way.
It has also established walking and cycling routes, while Cupar in Bloom brings the town to life every summer.
Cupar named Scotland’s most popular rural town for house-buyers – here’s why
