Leading scholars back plan to restore Adam Smith's home

Heritage campaigners are fighting plans being pursued by Heriot-Watt University for the 17th century listed building, as they involve the creation of a modern glass-boxed extension - which would provide the entrance to the new centre.

The Adam Smith Institute, the leading London-based think tank, is gathering support ahead of a public inquiry into the university's plans, which is due to start next month. They were approved by councillors against the advice of their own officials last year.

Opponents claim the university has been badly advised over its plans and should have gone back to the drawing board, rather than risk the scheme being heavily delayed. However, supporters say the plans offer a "sensitive" way of bringing the building back into use without damaging its heritage value.

Among those to throw their weight behind the plans are two Nobel prize-winning economists, Professor Gary Becker, of Chicago University, and Professor Vernon Smith, of George Mason University, in Virginia.

Others to offer support include Greg Lindsay, head of Australia's leading economics think-tank, the Centre for Independent Studies; Dr Edwin Feulner, president of Washington's Heritage Foundation; Antonio Martino, Italy's former foreign minister and now a leading economics professor in Rome; leading Danish economist Peter Kurrild-Klitgaard; and the former prime minister of Estonia, Mart Laar.

Dr Eamonn Butler, director of the Adam Smith Institute, said: "I have discussed the plans for Panmure House with well-known economists, political scientists and politicians from many countries. Their overwhelming view that Adam Smith's old home should be made accessible to the world public, and that this imaginative plan is an excellent, sympathetic way to do it."

Professor Becker said: "Admirers of Adam Smith from around the world will be thrilled at the prospect of his last home being opened up to the public and to scholars. I very much hope that the innovative restoration plan goes ahead."

Professor Smith said: "I was honoured to unveil the Adam Smith statue in Edinburgh in 2008, but dismayed to see the dilapidated state of his old home, Panmure House.Adam Smith was, after all, the father of modern economics, and it is marvellous to think that with this ingenious restoration, people from all over the world will be able to visit his Edinburgh home."

Dr Feulner said: "As a frequent visitor to Edinburgh, I have long been dismayed at the state of Adam Smith's old home in the Canongate."

Professor Martino said: "The proposed improvements look like a splendid way to make it live again."

Plans for the 3 million revamp were dealt a major blow in August when it emerged that they had been called in by the Scottish Government on the grounds of the objections from the likes of Historic Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage.