Panmure House, Lochend Close, is the final remaining home of Adam Smith, philosopher and 'father of modern economics.' It was originally built in 1691 and Smith lived there between 1778 and 1790, during which time he completed the final editions of his master works: The Theory of Moral Sentiments and The Wealth of Nations. In 2008, Edinburgh Business School & Heriot-Watt University undertook to rescue this historic building from dereliction and it was formally opened in 2018. Today it is a centre of excellence for the study of contemporary economics, a place of reflection on the legacy of Adam Smith, and a venue for social and economic debate. Address: 4 Lochend Close, EH8 8BL. Open Saturday and Sunday, 26 and 27 September, 10am-3pm.placeholder image
Panmure House, Lochend Close, is the final remaining home of Adam Smith, philosopher and 'father of modern economics.' It was originally built in 1691 and Smith lived there between 1778 and 1790, during which time he completed the final editions of his master works: The Theory of Moral Sentiments and The Wealth of Nations. In 2008, Edinburgh Business School & Heriot-Watt University undertook to rescue this historic building from dereliction and it was formally opened in 2018. Today it is a centre of excellence for the study of contemporary economics, a place of reflection on the legacy of Adam Smith, and a venue for social and economic debate. Address: 4 Lochend Close, EH8 8BL. Open Saturday and Sunday, 26 and 27 September, 10am-3pm. | Scottish Civic Trust

Doors Open 2026: 29 Edinburgh buildings offering you a look behind the scenes

By Ian Swanson
Published 13th Sep 2026, 04:45 GMT

It’s Doors Open season and more than 100 Edinburgh buildings are preparing to invite the public in to look round as part of the annual celebration of architecture, culture, and heritage.

It’s an opportunity to see behind the scenes in buildings you might pass every day but have never ventured inside.

Doors Open Day - which has been going for the past 36 years - takes place on different weekends in different parts of the country. Buildings in Midlothian were opening their doors to the public this weekend, September 12 and 13 and West Lothian will be following suit next weekend, September 19 and 20.

Edinburgh’s turn comes on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27. More than 100 sites in the Capital have signed up to take part.

Here’s a first instalment of 29 places you can visit in Edinburgh that weekend - look out for more to come.

From breaking news at Holyrood to what’s on this weekend – get Edinburgh’s news, sport and lifestyle stories in our daily newsletter

Edinburgh’s flagship public library has been providing information and resources to the people of Edinburgh since 1890. The Victorian building was designed by George Washington Browne and part funded by Andrew Carnegie. Address: George IV Bridge, EH1 1EG. Open: Saturday, September 26, 10am-5pm. There will be two behind the scenes tours at 10.30am-12 noon and 2-3.30pm. Booking required for the tours via this link on https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinburgh-central-library

25. Edinburgh Central Library

Edinburgh’s flagship public library has been providing information and resources to the people of Edinburgh since 1890. The Victorian building was designed by George Washington Browne and part funded by Andrew Carnegie. Address: George IV Bridge, EH1 1EG. Open: Saturday, September 26, 10am-5pm. There will be two behind the scenes tours at 10.30am-12 noon and 2-3.30pm. Booking required for the tours via this link on https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinburgh-central-library | Scottish Civic Trust

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Edinburgh Central Mosque is an iconic building, completed in 1998, and the Capital's main mosque and cultural centre. Doors Open Day is an opportunity to explore the mosque and meet the Muslim community. Visitors will have the chance to view an Islamic exhibition and explore the mosque. Tours throughout the day. Address: 50 Potterow, EH8 9BT. Open: Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 11am - 5pm.

26. Edinburgh Central Mosque, Potterow

Edinburgh Central Mosque is an iconic building, completed in 1998, and the Capital's main mosque and cultural centre. Doors Open Day is an opportunity to explore the mosque and meet the Muslim community. Visitors will have the chance to view an Islamic exhibition and explore the mosque. Tours throughout the day. Address: 50 Potterow, EH8 9BT. Open: Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 11am - 5pm. Photo: Colin Hattersley

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Constructed in 1865 as a congregational church, the building has had several owners and has been the site of the Edinburgh Central Quaker Meeting House since 1987. Visitors will be able to explore the building and talk to members. Address: 7 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL. Open: Saturday September 26, 10am - 4pm.

27. Edinburgh Central Quaker Meeting House

Constructed in 1865 as a congregational church, the building has had several owners and has been the site of the Edinburgh Central Quaker Meeting House since 1987. Visitors will be able to explore the building and talk to members. Address: 7 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL. Open: Saturday September 26, 10am - 4pm. | Scottish Civic Trust

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Established in 1822, this is the oldest chess club in Scotland and the UK, and probably the second-oldest in the world. On display will be chess sets, clocks, trophies and archives. Of special interest will be manuscripts from the initial correspondence match between Edinburgh and London started exactly 200 years ago. Chess games and demonstrations will be taking place during the day. Address: 1 Alva Street, EH2 4PH. Open: Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 12.30-4pm.

28. Edinburgh Chess Club

Established in 1822, this is the oldest chess club in Scotland and the UK, and probably the second-oldest in the world. On display will be chess sets, clocks, trophies and archives. Of special interest will be manuscripts from the initial correspondence match between Edinburgh and London started exactly 200 years ago. Chess games and demonstrations will be taking place during the day. Address: 1 Alva Street, EH2 4PH. Open: Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 12.30-4pm. | Scottish Civic Trust

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