Kirkcaldy to host Scotland’s Towns Conference 2026

Kirkcaldy is to host this year’s Scotland’s Towns Conference.

Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) will hold its annual showcase on the innovations shaping the future of towns and places at The Adam Smith Theatre on November 11.

Staged in association with Fife Council, the event is the biggest of its kind in Scotland, attracting major figures in policy, regeneration and investment, as well as local businesses and community organisations from across the country.

It will focus on delivering a national shared ambition to deliver a new future for Scotland’s towns - connecting policy, investment, local leadership and innovation to support thriving towns and resilient communities.

Hosted by broadcaster Rona Dougall, speakers will include the Scottish Government’s Minister for Business and Fair Work Tom Arthur, alongside Councillor David Ross, the Leader of Fife Council.

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.”

Discussion points will include the importance of localism, creating town centres where people live, work and visit, sustainable development, infrastructure, inclusive growth and funding - inspired by local, national and international innovations.

Councillor 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.”

Details of the conference were announced at STP’s Summer Session event held in Stirling today (Wednesday), which brought figures involved in regeneration together to set the scene for discussion around achieving Scotland’s shared ambition for towns.

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.

More details about the conference will be shared as they are confirmed via STP’s social media and online at www.scotlandstowns.org. Sponsorship and trade stand opportunities are also available. Please email elaine@scotlandstowns.org for more information.