Kirkcaldy hosts Scotland's Towns Conference today

Kirkcaldy is welcoming delegates from across the country as the Scotland's Towns Conference 2026 gets underway at the Adam Smith Theatre today.

Organised by Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP) in association with Fife Council, the annual conference brings together national and local leaders, regeneration specialists, businesses and community organisations to discuss the future of Scotland's towns and town centres.

Hosted by broadcaster Rona Dougall, the event features contributions from Scotland's Minister for Business and Fair Work, Tom Arthur, alongside Fife Council Leader David Ross and other speakers from across the regeneration, investment and policy sectors.

The conference focuses on how local leadership, innovation and investment can help create thriving town centres and resilient communities, with discussions covering community wealth building, sustainable development, infrastructure, inclusive growth and funding.

STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said:

"We're delighted to be bringing the Scotland's Towns Conference back to Kirkcaldy and The Adam Smith Theatre.

"There are people and projects across Fife whose work to improve their places can inspire other Scottish communities, not least through the community wealth building agenda which is opening exciting opportunities to grow stronger, more sustainable, local economies.

"The conference will showcase how building stronger, more sustainable, thriving town centres and places can help meet critical national priorities including not only economic growth, but tackling child poverty and the climate emergency."

Councillor David Ross said:

"Town centres across Scotland are facing real challenges, from changing retail patterns to the wider pressures on local economies, but there are also huge opportunities to rethink what our town centres can be.

"Bringing Scotland's Towns Conference to Kirkcaldy is a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, attract investment and highlight the importance of strong local leadership in shaping vibrant, resilient communities.

"In Kirkcaldy, we're already seeing that ambition in action through ongoing regeneration work, investment and efforts to make the town centre a more attractive place to live, work and visit.

"Hosting this conference will allow us to showcase the progress being made in our town centres while learning from others and building partnerships that will help drive our towns forward."

The event highlights Kirkcaldy's continuing role in conversations around town centre regeneration and community-led development, while providing an opportunity for delegates to share ideas and learn from successful projects taking place across Scotland.

Scotland's Towns Partnership is also the organisation behind Scotland Loves Local, Scotland's Improvement Districts and the Understanding Scottish Places platform, all of which support stronger and more sustainable communities throughout the country.