'˜Romantic Cupar' leaves locals cold

Watts restuarant which comes highly recommended. Picture: John Lord

Thousands of folk checked out our online story on fife today and the majority of those who left comments were far from complimentary about this part of rural Fife.

“Nothing to do”, “Nothing to see”, “Nowhere to stay”, was the general tone of the messages from the Fife Herald’s website with a feeling being that those who declared their love for the area had never actually visited it.

The reaction was summed up by Karin Houston who said: “When I think romance – I think hot tubs, real fires, romantic walks, dinner out. Firstly I am struggling to think of anywhere in Cupar that does this. Secondly the Haugh Park does not qualify as a romantic walk when dodging dog mess every few steps... If romance is looking in charity shops and estate agent windows, a visit to the Haugh Park to overlook the Tesco trolley in the burn, and a chippy for tea, then, yes, Romance City it is.”

Parbroath dovecot near Cupar, but the area isn't reckoned by locals to be that attractive.area Picture B4bees

Further afield though the reaction was quite a bit more positive with the rolling fields and lush countryside of the Kingdom’s agricultural heartland having a good number of admirers, giving more credence to the report published by Holidaylettings.co.uk on the “18 romantic UK destinations perfect for a Valentine’s Day escape” Holiday Lettings.

It stated of Cupar: “Rows of attractive stone-built cottages are a distinctive and charming feature of Cupar...This picturesque town was once a bustling royal burgh and many buildings still stand as reminders of that history. One building with grand columns houses a restaurant called Watt’s of Cupar. Its historical and cosy atmosphere provides a unique dining experience you really should try.

As you explore, you’ll discover a fascinating array of local wildlife: the Scottish Deer Centre is just a couple of miles away and is a delightful way to pass an afternoon. Or you can simply wander alongside the River Eden on your own Scottish safari. Just don’t forget your binoculars.”

So it would seem, like all true love, beauty is in the eye of the beholder... and then there’s that old adage, “Familiarity breeds contempt”.

The question Fifers decided not to answer was “Where would you choose for a romantic break in Scotland?”

Maybe home really is where the heart is?