15 Cupar Road

This parade of shops is Robertson Place, built in 1900, and named after Alexander Robertson. He was the retired publican at the Royal Bar in Robert Street, and he possibly had them built as a source of income in his retirement. Above the last four shops are two flats, entered from the street below. The eagle-eyed will spot the 1900 on either side of the curved fanlight above the street entrance door. The upper accommodation however has been houses only since relatively recently.

Unionist Club

When Robertson Place was first built the upper floor was occupied by the Unionist Club, and used as hall accommodation for their meetings and social gatherings. In some early photographs we can see the flag-pole at the side of the building, no doubt used by loyal Unionist Club members to hoist the Union Jack. As well as the date above the front door, the pediment also features a hand holding up a crown.

Church Hall

In the 1920s the property was sold and it was bought by St Thomas’ Church who were able to use it for the next 70 years as much needed hall accommodation. At that time it was renamed Kirk House. Also to be seen in the main photograph are two bay windows upstairs, only one of which now remains. The upper hall was converted to residential flats in the 1990s.