Panmure Close

This is one of those illustrious addresses in the Canongate. It was where Adam Smith lived in the years up to his death in 1790. The Canongate is very much Adam Smith territory.

I like the detail of the ironwork but wasn't sure of its significance. The Close was called McKell's Close till 1691 which is when Panmure House was built, so I checked the Panmure heraldry but that's not it.

However, a noodle around the internet reveals that they are poppies and not Tudor or Jacobean roses. Apparently the Close housed the Lady Haig's Poppy Factory from 1931 to 1965 so they must be a relatively modern addition. It just shows that it pays to check before making any assumptions!!