Scotland cannot afford to ignore the growing economic importance of its towns, the chief officer of Scotland's Towns Partnership has said.

Kimberley Guthrie told the annual Scotland's Towns Conference that successful, sustainable communities are central to economic growth across multiple sectors. Scotland's business minister and the leader of Fife Council also emphasised community action and innovation at the event on 11 November.

A capacity audience gathered at the Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy for the conference, whose theme was A National Commitment to Towns: Delivering a Shared Ambition. It brought together organisations and key figures involved in town centre regeneration and placemaking in Scotland and beyond.

Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP) designed the event to demonstrate how policy, investment, local leadership and innovation can combine to support thriving towns and resilient communities.

Guthrie said: "The importance of towns and local economics to national success has never been greater. None of us can afford to overlook this.

"The Scottish Government's incoming Community Wealth Building legislation further underpins the fact that vibrant, thriving local communities are the backbone of the national economy.

"For too long, towns have been taken for granted and, at times, overlooked. Today, however, there is a growing collective ambition to change that. We have a strong foundation of policy, partnership and infrastructure on which to build, providing the tools and momentum to drive sustained, coordinated and impactful action for our towns.

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"Collectively we must all continue to build on this so that the ambitions of our communities can be delivered upon."

The programme covered localism, town centres where people live, work and visit, sustainable development, infrastructure, inclusive growth and funding, drawing on innovations from Scotland and abroad.

Tom Arthur, Minister for Business and Fair Work, gave the opening address. He said afterwards: "Strong town centres are central to community wellbeing and sustainable economic growth across Scotland, which is why the Scottish Government, through our regeneration funding programmes, is providing up to £52 million this year to help communities and partners turn long-term visions into reality

"Across Scotland, communities are repurposing buildings, creating homes, supporting businesses and breathing new life into their town centres. These successes show what is possible.

"Our task now is to build on that momentum and continue creating town centres that are resilient, inclusive and fit for the future; places shaped by local people, built on community strengths and capable of supporting future generations.

"By working together with communities, local government and partners, we can ensure Scotland's town centres continue to thrive in the years ahead."

Broadcaster Rona Dougall hosted the conference, which was organised by STP in association with Fife Council.

Council leader David Ross highlighted the need to attract investment and the role of strong local leadership. He said: "Towns are at the heart of our communities. They are places where people live, work, learn, shop and connect. They play a vital role in supporting local economies and improving quality of life.

"Across Fife and throughout Scotland, we are seeing the benefits that come from investing in our town centres, supporting local businesses and empowering communities to help shape their future.

"That is particularly relevant here in Kirkcaldy, where there is a shared determination to develop a town centre that meets the needs and ambitions of local people, businesses and visitors.

"Through continued investment, partnership working and community involvement, we have a real opportunity to create a more vibrant and sustainable future for the town."

Ross added: "Hosting Scotland's Towns Conference in Kirkcaldy provides us all with an excellent opportunity to share ideas, learn from others and demonstrate the work being done to create vibrant, sustainable and inclusive places.

"By working together across all levels of government, business and communities, we can deliver lasting change and ensure our towns continue to thrive for future generations."

STP is the parent organisation of Scotland's Improvement Districts and Scotland Loves Local, which encourages people to support businesses in their area. It also leads the Understanding Scottish Places platform.