By Craig Smith

ONE OF Kirkcaldy’s most famous sons became one of the most powerful men in the world yesterday—yet Gordon Brown again drew on his humble beginnings speaking for the first time as Prime Minister.

While his predecessor is renowned for his media savvy, it was an understandably nervous-looking but immensely proud Mr Brown who addressed the country.

Despite entering unknown territory, Mr Brown managed to deliver his words with confidence and, with the world’s spotlight now firmly on him, harked back to his roots and the background that made him the man he is today.

“I grew up in the town that I now represent in Parliament—I went to the local school,” he told reporters.

“I wouldn’t be standing here without the opportunities that I received there and I want the best of chances for everyone.

“On this day I remember words that have stayed with me since my childhood and which matter a great deal today: my school motto, ‘I will try my utmost’.”

He left the nation in no doubt about his intentions for the country by concluding, “This is my promise to all of the people of Britain and now let the work of change begin.”

The former Kirkcaldy High pupil’s use of the school’s motto “usque conabor” was an interesting one, as the Latin has been translated in many different ways in the past.

From “always strive hard” to the school’s adopted translation of “working together to improve,” it seems many people have their own view of what the phrase means.

All of this makes Mr Brown’s version, “I will try my utmost,” all the more intriguing in today’s volatile world of politics.

Outside Number 10 yesterday with wife Sarah, Mr Brown made it clear he personally will do all he can to serve his country to the best of his ability—and many will ask no more of the Fifer than that.