Glasgow has a new memorial to Adam Smith, the legendary Scot and pioneering economist. The memorial is located at the original site of the University of Glasgow, where Smith studied as a young man.

The memorial features five engraved paving stones with quotes from Smith's work, key dates, and the University of Glasgow's tercentenary logo. The stones were engraved by a local stonemason business.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, unveiled the engraved stones at a ceremony on Monday, 4 December. She was joined by the University of Glasgow’s Rector, the Honourable Lady Rae; Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli; and the students who have helped to make Adam Smith’s tercentenary year a global success.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow said: “I want to praise the remarkable efforts made worldwide this year to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Adam Smith. The University of Glasgow is Smith’s intellectual home, and we are proud to lead the way in evaluating his legacy, through conversations and learning for a 21st century audience. It has been fantastic to see so many people from all walks of life engaging with our tercentenary programme throughout the past year.

“Much of Smith’s work and thinking was developed through his interactions with Glasgow and its citizens. This memorial on the site of Smith’s old stamping ground is therefore a fitting tribute, and one which will be visible to future generations - we are grateful to the city of Glasgow for their support in making this happen.”

Read the full story in the University of Glasgow news

First published: 5 December 2023

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