For over a hundred years, such a centre had been a cherished dream of many Cuparians.   Then five years ago, a dedicated committee, which included Guthrie, received an offer from First Scotrail to rent the railway worker's cottage, part of the ‘B' listed Cupar Railway Station, for the peppercorn rent of £1 a year.  "It was too good an opportunity to miss," said Guthrie.

With himself as chair, and Iain Copeland as treasurer, the committee rewrote the constitution with the help of VONEF, then sought funding sources to help with renovations. One was a government grant specifically available for anything to do with old railway stations; another, which helped with actual money as opposed to pledges once work was completed, was the Fife Leader fund.

With the help of architect Ron Kidd and building contractors, Willie Findlay of Kingskettle, the centre was on its way. Sufficient renovations had been carried out by 4 September 2011 for the former railwayman's cottage to take part in the Fife Open Doors' Day, when 288 visitors crossed the threshold to see progress for themselves, as well as artefacts uplifted for display by the Castle Furniture Project.

As a result, in 2011, the centre subsequently helped the station to win an award for community effort, while Guthrie and Iain each received the accolade of Citizen of the Year.

Now the committee is applying for charitable status for the Cupar Heritage Centre, as well as establishing displays in time for its official opening on 14 April 2012, when it is hoped former Cuparian Sir Bob Reid will perform the opening ceremony - co-incidentally, during the 100 year anniversary of the only time the Highland Show came to Cupar.

After questions, Dr. Amanda Fleet proposed thanks.