Cupar is the historic county town of Fife and residents are proud of its heritage and place at the heart of North-East Fife’s agricultural industry.
It faces the prospect of massive expansion over the coming years, with potential construction of more than 1,400 homes and a relief road.
Cupar North, as the development area is known, would also see land set aside for a new primary school, business and employment facilities plus expansion of GP and hospital services.
It’s likely the new councillors will be charged with making important and complex decisions on Cupar North early in their term.
The consortium of construction firms bidding to build the houses is awaiting determination of its planning application.
Cupar North is an issue which has dominated debate in the town for more than a decade, having first been proposed when the 2007 Fife Structure Plan was being prepared.
Another issue the new threesome of councillors will be keen to influence is the preservation of college education in the area.
A question mark has hung over the future of SRUC Elmwood since the withdrawal of Fife College from the campus, formerly Elmwood College, last year.
Land-based courses at Elmwood support training for agriculture and golf, important components of the local economy. SRUC has insisted it has no plans to withdraw from Cupar and it is actively recruiting new students.
It is to finalise its new model by the autumn, which it is expected will make clear intentions for Elmwood.
The rural Cupar ward also includes several surrounding villages and hamlets, including Dairsie, Pitscottie, Ceres and Craigrothie.
Candidate profiles
The Courier invited each candidate to submit a short introduction to themselves and, if they wished, a video explaining why they deserve your vote.
Jenny Collins (Green)
Jenny lives in Cupar and is a trustee of a local environmental charity.
She is a mother of two girls, one at Bell Baxter High School and the other at Edinburgh University.
She would like Cupar to remain a thriving town in which future generations will want to live and work.
Margaret Kennedy (Lib Dem)
Margaret said: “I became a councillor to make a difference.
“Throughout my three council terms I have strived to be open, honest and instil an attitude of equality in everything I do.
“If re-elected in May I will continue to passionately serve the people of Cupar and surrounding villages.
“I moved to Cupar more than 20 years ago on completing my nurse training. I chose to live in this area because of the vibrant community life with opportunities to become involved in local groups.
“I still have the privilege of working in the public sector (NHS Tayside), keeping me in touch with ‘real life’.”
Karen Marjoram (SNP)
Karen said: “As councillor for Cupar ward I have had the privilege of serving you on Fife Council since 2012.
“I am currently Fife SNP depute leader and spokesperson for transport and the environment.
“I have over 10 years’ experience representing staff as a UNISON steward and more than 25 years in police forensics.
“I understand the importance of public service.
“I have two grown-up children who both went to Castlehill Primary School and Bell Baxter High School.
“I have a degree from the Open University, where I studied environmental science, and am a trustee of Sustainable Cupar, a local environmental group.”
Helen Martin (Labour)
A former local head teacher, Helen has lived and worked in Fife for 45 years.
Now retired, she says she has plenty of time to listen and work for the good of the community.
She said: “I am full of admiration for how Fife Labour has managed to maintain services in a climate of severe austerity, and am proud to stand as their candidate for Cupar.
“There are, of course, many things we should like to see developing further. Roads, affordable homes and houses to rent are all high on Fife Labour’s agenda.
“I would be proud to serve the people of Cupar if they wish to give me their vote on May 4.”
Tony Miklinski (Conservative)
Born and educated in Dundee, and following a short teaching career (while also playing in goal for Forfar Athletic), Tony joined the Royal Navy.
His naval career included passing the Royal Marines Commando Course, fighting with 42 Commando RM in the Falklands War and finishing as the defence director of training and education in the MOD.
He was awarded the CBE in 2006.
More recently, he was chair of Highland Headway and Highland Autism Improvement Group.
For the last two years he has lived near Ceres with his wife and son, who is on the autistic spectrum.
Steven Simpson (SNP)
Born in Dundee in 1970, Steven has called north-east Fife home since 1983.
Educated at Madras College in St Andrews, he went on to further education at Elmwood College, Cupar.
He served in HM Forces for 23 years, reaching warrant officer status.
Married to Sharon, he has a son, Lewis, aged two.
He said: “As chair of Leuchars Community Council I am fully aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for local communities.
“I will put your hopes and aspirations first and foremost and will always be accessible.”
