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Panmure House, the iconic building in Edinburgh's Canongate which once served as a home to world-renowned economist Adam Smith, has been formally opened as a resource for the people of Scotland and beyond.
The opening ceremony was led by Rt Hon Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education, and – like Adam Smith – with his roots in Kirkcaldy.
Mr Brown was joined by Lord Vallance of Tummel, Chairman of Edinburgh Business School and Professor Heather McGregor, Executive Dean.
Commenting, Rt Hon Gordon Brown said: "This fine renovation in honour of Adam Smith is not just an investment in bricks and mortar but, in the spirit of the Scottish Enlightenment he led, a commitment to a vibrant new centre at the heart of our capital city for debate, discussion, innovative thinking and fresh ideas about the future."
Commenting, Lord Vallance of Tummel said: “It has taken a decade to restore and reopen Panmure House but it has been worth the wait. Panmure House is a distinctive and valuable asset for Edinburgh, Scotland, the UK and beyond.
“I congratulate Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Business School team for driving the project forward and, not least, the Master of Panmure House, Professor Keith Lumsden, for conceiving of the project in the first place.
“I would also like to thank our supporters from all over the world, including Edinburgh World Heritage and Garfield Weston Foundation, and pay tribute to our partners, EKJN architects, LLPMaxi Construction and project manager Faithfull & Gould for their extensive work in bringing the building back to life.”
Commenting, Professor Heather McGregor said: “This is the first time since 1790 that Panmure House has been used in the same way as Adam Smith did – to host groups of people to debate the big issues of the day.
“Just as Adam Smith took Scotland's ideas onto the world stage, we want a 21st century Panmure House to bring the world to Scotland.
“We believe that the sharing of expertise and exchange of ideas at such a significant, historic building can have a substantial global impact. It will be a leading venue for the development and spread of thought.”