Adam Smith Global Foundation continues to deliver for Kirkcaldy

The Adam Smith Global Foundation (ASGF) has been praised by members of the Kirkcaldy Area Committee after a progress report highlighted the organisation's achievements over the past six months.

The Foundation received just over £60,000 in funding from the committee earlier this year to support its work and the operation of the Kirkcaldy Lottery, helping deliver projects, events and activities that benefit local communities.

Members heard that, over the past six months, ASGF has welcomed more than 4,000 visitors and participants to its events and activities, helping to celebrate Kirkcaldy's heritage, support community projects and attract visitors to the town.

Since April, the Adam Smith Heritage Centre has welcomed around 1,400 visitors through its regular opening programme, while a further 1,300 people took part in Festival of Ideas and Open Doors events.

The Foundation has also delivered a wide range of events and activities, including heritage tours, exhibitions, talks, community events and fundraising initiatives, attracting more than 2,300 participants.

One of the Foundation’s biggest successes this year has been the Wemyss Cat Trail, which attracted more than 36,000 online visitors and an estimated 50,000 participants. The trail generated an estimated £500,000 economic benefit for the town, while the auction of the cat sculptures raised more than £100,000 for future Kirkcaldy Lottery projects.

The Foundation has also continued to develop educational projects, including the production of the animated film A Boy from Kirkcaldy, and has worked with a growing team of volunteers to support heritage tours, events and community engagement activities.

Plans are also progressing for the Adam Smith Garden, with planning and listed building consent applications currently being processed.

Convener of the Kirkcaldy Area Committee, Councillor Ian Cameron, said:

"The Adam Smith Global Foundation has made a significant contribution to Kirkcaldy over the past few years and it's encouraging to see the positive impact being made through its events, heritage activities and community projects.

"The Foundation is helping more people connect with Kirkcaldy's history, supporting volunteers and bringing visitors into the town. Projects such as the Wemyss Cat Trail have shown how culture, heritage and community activity can help raise Kirkcaldy's profile and support the local economy.

"The committee's investment is helping the organisation build on that success and continue developing projects that benefit local people while promoting Kirkcaldy to a wider audience."

Justyna Majewska, Operations Manager at the Adam Smith Global Foundation said:

"We’ve been working passionately to bring these projects to life, and we have ambitious plans for the future both in Kirkcaldy and through our global network. We are excited by what we can achieve, especially as we continue to meet inspiring people who genuinely care about the town and its future. None of this would be possible without the teamwork, commitment and enthusiasm of our volunteers, who have been at the heart of everything we’ve delivered so far."

The report notes that the Foundation continues to strengthen its governance arrangements, develop new partnerships and improve its long-term financial sustainability.

To find out more visit www.adamsmithglobalfoundation.com