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The Adam Smith Global Foundation
We are dedicated to celebrating the legacy of Kirkcaldy’s own Adam Smith. Our foundation promotes Smith’s life, work, and enduring ideas on economics and moral philosophy through educational projects, heritage preservation, and community events. At the heart of our efforts, we run the Adam Smith Heritage Centre and the Adam Smith Garden, both offering rich opportunities for learning and reflection. Alongside these spaces, we lead projects like the Kirkcaldy Lottery and the Festival of Ideas, as well as other initiatives that connect and inspire our community. Together, these projects honour Smith’s impact while fostering a vibrant cultural and educational environment.
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About Us
The Adam Smith Global Foundation, established in 2012 in Kirkcaldy—Adam Smith’s birthplace—aims to honor and share the legacy of one of history’s most influential thinkers. Since its founding, the organisation has preserved and restored the Adam Smith Heritage Centre, creating a vibrant space for exhibitions and learning. Additionally, we have acquired and developed Smith’s historic garden, which serves as a place for contemplation, community events, and workshops. Through these initiatives, the Foundation connects visitors to Smith’s enduring ideas, contributing to the cultural fabric of Kirkcaldy and beyond.
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Our Mission
Our mission is to preserve and promote the legacy of Adam Smith by advancing education, heritage, and community development.
Locally, the Foundation plays a key role in revitalising the Kirkcaldy area by enhancing cultural heritage, promoting tourism, and supporting community initiatives. Globally, we aim to elevate Smith's philosophy through education, collaboration, and scholarship, ensuring his ideas are accessible and applicable to a broader audience.
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Our Governance
The Adam Smith Global Foundation is overseen by a dedicated Board of Trustees, composed of experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds including business, and community leadership. The Board is responsible for the strategic direction, financial oversight, and ensuring that our mission aligns with Adam Smith’s legacy of promoting education, economic understanding, and community development. We operate with a clear governance structure that includes regular board meetings, an annual general meeting (AGM), and subcommittees focused on specific areas such as finance, events, and outreach. Our operational activities are managed by a small but committed team of two (the General Manager and Heritage Centre Manager), which reports directly to the Board. The team is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Heritage Centre, coordinating events, managing volunteers, and monitoring the financial sustainability of our projects. We are also committed to accountability, ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interests of the Foundation and the community we serve. Regular audits, annual reports, and stakeholder consultations are part of our ongoing efforts to maintain high standards of governance.
Our Board
Our Team
Our Volunteers
Meet the dedicated volunteers who bring our Heritage Centre to life—each with their own story, skills, and a shared passion for preserving Adam Smith's legacy.
Our current projects
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Adam Smith Heritage Centre
This amazing project is dedicated to bringing the historic building that houses our Heritage Centre to life, showcasing its role as a beacon of Adam Smith’s enduring influence on global economic and philosophical thought. Through displays, heritage tours and community events, we tell the story of Smith’s groundbreaking ideas, from his early days in Kirkcaldy to his monumental contributions to the world. Our goal is to create a vibrant space where visitors can experience the origins of Smith’s ideas and see firsthand how his insights continue to shape economies, societies, and philosophies worldwide.
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Kirkcaldy Lottery
This project is designed to engage the local community and support the town through a fun, community-centred initiative. Proceeds from the lottery contribute directly to our Kirkcaldy town. With exciting prizes, the lottery fosters a strong sense of community while supporting the birthplace of Adam Smith. To find out more please look into our Kirkcaldy lottery website.
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Adam Smith Garden
This project focuses on transforming our historical garden into a beautiful and functional space for community use and reflection. Located adjacent to the Heritage Centre, this serene 600-square-meter garden will provide a place for peaceful contemplation, educational workshops, and community events. With seasonal planting, seating areas, and space for gatherings, the garden celebrates Smith’s legacy while fostering a shared, green space in the heart of Kirkcaldy.
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Community Enagagement
we want to connect people through events, workshops, and festivals, encouraging dialogue, learning, and connection within Kirkcaldy. From educational talks to seasonal festivals and family-friendly activities, our events are crafted to reach diverse audiences and celebrate local heritage. This project enriches the community by offering spaces for gathering, sharing, and exploring ideas that continue to shape our world, inspired by Adam Smith’s enduring impact.