Last held in Kirkcaldy in 2016, Scotland’s Towns Conference returned to the Adam Smith Theatre a decade on earlier today.

This year’s conference, organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) in association with Fife Council, brought together a packed audience of leaders, practitioners and communities to explore how policy, investment, local leadership and innovation can deliver a shared ambition for a new future for Scotland’s towns.

Discussion points at the conference included the importance of localism, creating town centres where people live, work and visit, sustainable development, infrastructure, inclusive growth and funding.

In his welcome address, Fife Council Leader David Ross gave delegates a flavour of what’s been happening across Fife, and welcomed the chance to hear about what’s been working well in other areas of Scotland.

Councillor Ross said: “Towns are at the heart of our communities. They are places where people live, work, learn, shop and connect, and they play a vital role in supporting local economies and improving quality of life.

“Across Fife and throughout Scotland, we are seeing the benefits that come from investing in our town centres, supporting local businesses and empowering communities to help shape their future.

“That is particularly relevant here in Kirkcaldy, where there is a shared determination to develop a town centre that meets the needs and ambitions of local people, businesses and visitors.

“Through continued investment, partnership working and community involvement, we have a real opportunity to create a more vibrant and sustainable future for the town.

“Hosting Scotland’s Towns Conference in Kirkcaldy provides us all with an excellent opportunity to share ideas, learn from others and demonstrate the work being done to create vibrant, sustainable and inclusive places.

“By working together across all levels of government, business and communities, we can deliver lasting change and ensure our towns continue to thrive for future generations.”

The event featured:

• Panel discussions on the national commitment to towns, towns as ecosystems, economic engines, social anchors and drivers of sustainable, place-based transformation
• Workshops on the power of local leadership in growing the economy and enabling resilient communities by putting policy into practice, together
• Fast-paced, Pecha Kucha style presentations with stories from around Scotland on how place makers are creating mixed use, sustainable and connected places
• International perspective on placemaking and delivering for the future
• Exhibition showcasing solutions and opportunities for towns and city centres
• Walking tours of Kirkcaldy to see culture, heritage, and regeneration in action
  

Tom Arthur, Minister for Business and Fair Work, made the opening address.

He said afterwards: “Strong town centres are central to community wellbeing and sustainable economic growth across Scotland, which is why the Scottish Government, through our regeneration funding programmes, is providing up to £52 million this year to help communities and partners turn long-term visions into reality

“Across Scotland, communities are repurposing buildings, creating homes, supporting businesses and breathing new life into their town centres. These successes show what is possible.

“Our task now is to build on that momentum and continue creating town centres that are resilient, inclusive and fit for the future; places shaped by local people, built on community strengths and capable of supporting future generations.

“By working together with communities, local government and partners, we can ensure Scotland’s town centres continue to thrive in the years ahead.”

Kimberley Guthrie, Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), said she believes successful, sustainable local communities are the backbone to developing economic growth across many sectors.

“The importance of towns and local economics to national success has never been greater: none of us can afford to overlook this,” she added.

“The Scottish Government’s incoming Community Wealth Building legislation further underpins the fact that vibrant, thriving local communities are the backbone of the national economy.

“For too long, towns have been taken for granted and, at times, overlooked. Today, however, there is a growing collective ambition to change that. We have a strong foundation of policy, partnership and infrastructure on which to build, providing the tools and momentum to drive sustained, coordinated and impactful action for our towns.

“Collectively we must all continue to build on this so that the ambitions of our communities can be delivered upon.”

STP is also the parent organisation of Scotland’s Improvement Districts (SIDs) and Scotland Loves Local, the drive for people to build stronger communities by getting behind businesses in their area, as well as being the organisation spearheading the Understanding Scottish Places platform.

Our main picture shows Tom Arthur, Minister for Business and Fair Work, second right, being welcomed to the Scotland’s Towns Conference at The Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy by, from left, Fife Council Leader Cllr David Ross, STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie and Chair of STP, Professor Leigh Sparks.

Credit: Sandy Young /Scotland's Towns Partnership.