Smith Schools' Series Frequently Asked Questions

The Smith Schools' Series is a programme for P6 & P7 learners which develops critical thinking, speaking and listening skills against the backdrop of the Scottish Enlightenment. Delivered in schools, online and here at Panmure House, the Smith Schools' Series equips young people with the tools and knowledge to become the next generation's changemakers and innovators.

Panmure House believes fully in the power of education. Whilst all learners benefit from speaking and listening skills, it is particularly pertinent to support young people from less advantaged backgrounds and those experiencing intersecting inequalities in accessing these opportunities.

The Smith Schools' Series sits at the Scottish curriculum's Second level, supporting P6 & P7 learners.

The programme supports learners and their teachers in four specific ways, all of which are free of charge to state schools in Scotland.

A dedicated Teacher Resource Site, with 'grab and go' lesson plans, presentations and learner handouts.
A data secure site for learners incorporating a mentor quiz, leader board, virtual escape room and an interactive map of 1700's Edinburgh.
School visits for classes to Panmure House
Career-long professional learning for teaching professionals

The Smith Schools' Series lessons and resources link to the Second Level Curriculum for Excellence Experiences & Outcomes and in the areas of:

Social studies
Numeracy & mathematics
Literacy & English
Health & wellbeing

Yes you can. We welcome classes to Panmure House. Please visit the School Visits page for more information.

Canongate Kirk is located beside the House just off the Royal Mile, where you can visit Adam Smith's grave. Adam Smith's Statue is also outside of nearby St Giles Cathedral.

The Scottish Parliament is a short walk from the House, where you may arrange a free guided tour or visit the exhibitions, or take a break in the public cafe.

For those who wish to see the city from above, you can take the stairs and walk up Calton Hill, which sits adjacent to Panmure House and takes only five minutes to climb. The full views of the city are spectacular on a pleasant day!

The National Museum of Scotland is a 20-minute walk from Panmure House; you can arrange visits in advance or drop in.

Further afield, you can visit Kirkcaldy, where Smith was born. It is easily reachable by a regular train service from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station or by car.

Our address is Panmure House, 4 Lochend Close, Edinburgh, EH8 8BL. We are situated just off the Royal Mile and within close proximity to the Scottish Parliament, and 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

The House is equipped with internal and external lifts that facilitate easy access in and around the House. There is also a disabled toilet facility and baby change facilities 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.