The town's MP visited Adam Smith College to meet with senior staff and student representatives, as well as members of the community, at a lunch to celebrate the key role the college has played in the social and economic regeneration of Fife.

Mr Brown, who is also chancellor of the college, said: "I would like to congratulate all of the college's staff, its students, board members and those who give valued advice through the advisory boards in not only successfully creating Adam Smith College, but in reaching the remarkable standards achieved in some three years.

"I commend the college's ambitions to make a major contribution to the regeneration and development of central Fife's economy. In this the college is a key player and I know it is a valued partner to Fife Council, other public agencies, the private and the voluntary sectors."
The lunch was also held to celebrate the college's third birthday.

The institution is one of the top colleges in the country and received an outstanding inspector's report in 2007, as well as increasing its number of students from home and abroad to 28,000 in 2008.

This year, the college received a record number of applications, with the numbers of Scottish students applying up by six per cent.

Their range of courses has also increased, from access level right through to degree level and professional qualifications.

Principal Craig Thomson said: "We are delighted to welcome the Prime Minister to Adam Smith College, and grateful for his ongoing support for the college.

"It is essential to the development of our region that Adam Smith College continues to grow from strength to strength, and is able to offer world class teaching and facilities right here in Fife. Our ambitious expansion plans for development in Glenrothes, in Kirkcaldy and at the new campuses in Levenmouth and Lochgelly are part of our ongoing commitment to the people and businesses of Fife, and beyond, access to world class teaching and learning in state of the art facilities."

Mr Brown also showed his support for Kirkcaldy's latest office development by performing the topping out ceremony at the new Evans Business Centre in the town's John Smith Business Park.

The £3.5 million development is currently under construction and when complete will provide 55 offices and many jobs.