Dawe urges caution over Smith house

THE leader of Edinburgh City Ccouncil has urged caution over the news that the house where economist Adam Smith lived in his final years was to be saved for the nation.

An £800,000 bid from Heriot-Watt University to buy Panmure House has been approved by council officials.

If the sale goes through, the house would be converted into a study centre for business and economics.

But while officials have recommended accepting the bid, the matter has still to be agreed.

Councillor Jenny Dawe, leader of the local authority, said: "The sale of Panmure House has generated strong debate.

"The recommendations made by officers ensure that this link to education is maintained, however this is subject to debate at committee. Any decision that's made will ultimately be scrutinised by the Scottish Government before a sale can proceed."