The renowned legacy of moral philosopher and economist Adam Smith is to be honoured with a new exhibition and visitor centre in his home town of Kirkcaldy.
UK Communities Secretary Eric Pickles announced government funding for the initiative, which will be housed in a renovated listed building at 1 Adam Smith Close in the town centre.
Mr Pickles revealed £292,000 from the Coastal Communities Fund would go towards the project which will cost more than £700,000 in total with cash also to come from Fife Council, Historic Scotland and Fife Environment Trust.
Smith, who was born in Kirkcaldy, has been described as the founding father of modern economics after his work The Wealth of Nations was published in 1776.
Mr Pickles announced funding for the Adam Smith Global Foundation Exhibition Centre after visiting the foundation which works to combat poverty as well as commemorate Smith’s work in Kirkcaldy.
Mr Pickles said he was delighted the UK Government could support the project and the foundation’s work in using Adam Smith’s legacy as a catalyst for regenerating Kirkcaldy.
The new centre is the first project to be announced as part of the second round of grants from the Coastal Communities Fund.
Marilyn Livingstone, chief executive officer for the Adam Smith Global Foundation, said: “This funding will allow completion of this amazing project which will support the legacy of Adam Smith in his birthplace of Kirkcaldy as well as kick-starting Kirkcaldy’s ambition to regenerate its historic Merchant’s Quarter.”