royal burgh (town) and market centre in northeastern Fife council area and historic county, eastern Scotland. It is situated on the banks of the River Eden in the fertile valley known as the Howe of Fife. During the 13th century Cupar emerged as the centre of the administration of justice for Fife and was created a royal burgh in 1356. It remained the administrative centre for Fife until 1975 (when administrative activities were moved to Glenrothes) because of its early connection with the courts of justice and its central position and accessibility as a market within the county. The town's grain and livestock market closed in the mid-1990s. Modern industries include printing, food processing, and the manufacture of chemicals and furniture. Pop. (2001) 8,506.