A corner of Andrew Carnegie’s greatest gift to his home town has been dedicated to a “good steward” of his legacy.
Some 200 representatives of 20 international charitable trusts and foundations endowed by the Dunfermline-born philanthropist gathered in Pittencrieff Park, which was donated to Dunfermline in 1903.
They were there to honour their founder and name an avenue Vartan’s Way in recognition of the international lead taken in the world of philanthropy by the president of the Carnegie Corporation in New York, Dr Vartan Gregorian.
Dr Gregorian also planted a commemorative tree with an ornamental spade used by Carnegie to plant a tree in the Glen in 1904. The recipient of numerous international civic and academic awards, Dr Gregorian has received more than 60 honorary degrees.
“For 15 years, I have endeavoured to be a good steward of Andrew Carnegie’s legacy as head of Carnegie Corporation in New York,” he said. “But it is important to note that the good work of Carnegie Corporation is not, of course, Vartan’s Way but will always be Andrew’s Way.
“This great honour is ultimately a reflection of the example Mr Carnegie set in establishing a family of organisations to do ‘real and permanent good in this world.’
“I am deeply touched by the generosity of my Scottish colleagues.”
Fife Provost Jim Leishman said: “While it’s undoubtedly an international legacy, all eyes are on Dunfermline today and the precious contributions that he made towards making this town what it is.”