Cupar citizen of the year revealed

Peter Cura was given the honour by Cupar Community Council earlier this week, recognising his decades of work in the town.

Peter was born in Cupar in 1932, the son of immigrant Italian parents. He attended Castlehill, Comrie primary and St. Dominic’s primary in Crieff, before joining Bell Baxter high school.

When Italy entered the war in 1940, the family were taken to Comrie, regarded as ‘aliens’ being of Italian descent. Peter’s father was sent to the Isle of Man where he remained for four years.

In 1945, the family were reunited in Cupar, and his father re-opened the Chip Shop at the bottom of Lady Wynd, which had been requisitioned during the war. When he left Bell Baxter, Peter worked with his father in the Chip Shop, until he was called up for national service from 1951-53 serving with the Royal Tank Regiment.

After he married his wife Louise, they opened Babyland in the Bonnygate (now The Nappy Pin) which they sold after 10 years in business.

Peter’s mum spent some years as a patient in Stratheden Hospital and, while she was there, Peter became aware of a threat to close Stratheden altogether. Delighted with the care his mum received in the hospital, Peter started a campaign along with a few others to keep the hospital open. After a long and sustained campaign, not only were they successful, but it led to the development of two new modern wards: Elmview and Muirview, which continue to provide a high standard of care to the residents.

A few years later, as a member of Cupar Community Council, Peter was tasked with a similar campaign to retain Adamson Cottage Hospital, which was also threatened with closure.

That campaign was equally successful, leading to the renovation and refurbishment of the hospital, and the opening of the community cafe there.

After many years of involvement in the Cupar community, and these two successful campaigns, Peter is now enjoying a well-earned retirement at home in North Union Street.