Frequently Asked Questions
Panmure House is a hub of enlightened research, debate and scholarship. At Panmure, we wish to carry on the legacy of Adam Smith and his works and so, we host an array of events and academic programmes that draw upon the cultural relevance of Smith, and his home. Some event themes involve economics, finance, social theory, ethics and the Scottish Enlightenment. The dinners hosted in recent times mirror the life and purpose of the House back to 1790.
Whilst not open to the public all year round, we welcome visitors from the general public into the House during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival each August and in September for the annual Doors Open Day.
You can still take a virtual tour of the House here, led by the Programme Director.
We are situated just off the Royal Mile and within close proximity to the Scottish Parliament. Our address is Panmure House, 4 Lochend Close, Edinburgh, EH8 8BL. You can access us easily on foot or by public transport.
Located just opposite the Royal Mile Primary School, Lochend Close can be accessed via two openings on the street. This leads you out into a courtyard in which Panmure House is located directly ahead. A comprehensive set of directions can be found here.
We would love to hear from you, whether it is via our Contact Form or through the post.
Please address all mail to:
C/O Panmure House
Reception
Edinburgh Business School, Gait 11
Heriot-Watt University
EH14 4AS
Lochend Close is reserved for permit holders only and is heavily monitored all week. You can park nearby at the following:
- There are pay and display spaces located on Calton Road which is situated at the bottom of Lochend Close. These spaces are for a maximum of 4 hours at £4.30 per hour.
- There is underground car parking available at Dynamic Earth, costs are dependent on length of stay and the car park is around 10 minutes walk from Panmure House. To find out more click HERE.
- There is a car park within Holyrood Park – next to the Palace. The Team highly recommend this spot for parking as it takes roughly 5-10 minutes to walk up via the Canongate (Royal Mile). This is £1 per hour from Monday – Friday. Please click HERE for more information.
Canongate Kirk is located beside the House just off the Mile. Here, you can visit Adam Smith’s grave and take a guided tour of the Kirkyard from a local historian. Smith’s grave was visited by 7 Nobel Laureates in 2009 to mark the 250th anniversary of the publication of the Theory of Moral Sentiments.
The Scottish Parliament is also a short walk from the House, where you may arrange a free guided tour or visit the exhibitions. Alternatively, you can take a break in the public café and browse the gift shop. For more information about visiting the Scottish Parliament, click here.
For those who wish to see the city from above, you can take the stairs and walk up Calton Hill. The Hill sits adjacent to Panmure and takes only 5 minutes to climb. At the top you can see full views of the city which are particularly spectacular on a pleasant day! Once you have taken in the panoramic view of Edinburgh, you can make the most of photographic opportunities at the unfinished National Monument and take a wander around the Collective contemporary art gallery. Feeling peckish at the top? The Lookout Café is the one-stop-shop you may be looking for.
Visit our Get Involved section to interact with the different levels of engagement and activity within the project. Join the Society of Panmure House here.
You can also follow us on our social media channels for the latest news and announcements.
The House is equipped with internal and external lifts that facilitate easy access in and around the House. There is also a single disabled toilet facility located on the ground floor in the Interpretation Suite area. Our staff are also trained in wheelchair evacuation in the rare event of a fire.
We ask that anyone attending an event at Panmure House who may require use of our external lift would let us know in advance so that we can set-up for your arrival.
For additional information on our facilities, click here.
Absolutely! Take a look at our merchandise here to browse our very own custom House of Edgar Adam Smith’s Panmure House tartan and more.
Just a few steps from Panmure House, visitors can visit the grave of Adam Smith in the churchyard of Canongate Kirk.
Walking further up the Canongate, to where it becomes the old High Street of Edinburgh, visitors can experience a street that has changed little since Smith’s lifetime. Opposite St Giles Cathedral is the former Royal Exchange building (now the Edinburgh City Chambers) where Adam Smith worked as Commissioner of Customs for Scotland from 1778.
In the street outside is an impressive statue of Smith, the first major public monument to the philosopher. This was unveiled in 2008 and is the work of the Scottish sculptor Alexander Stoddart. Did you know the statue was funded entirely by private donations?
Further up the High Street, can be seen a statue of Smith’s friend and fellow philosopher, David Hume, by the same sculptor.
Further afield, Kirkcaldy, the town of Smith’s birth, is easily reachable by a regular train service from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station or by car – about an hour’s drive. Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery, just near the railway station, includes a display of Smith material, including the portrait of his mother by Conrad Metz. Other historic buildings in the town date from the period of Smith’s life.
The short form in the Contact Us section goes directly to the Panmure Team who will pick up your query and get back to you promptly.
We are not usually available as a venue to hire. However, our Terms of Engagement not document clarifies under what circumstances events are suitable for Panmure House.