Location(s)

The spirit of the Edinburgh Enlightenment can still be found at the home of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, an educational charity set up in 1783 and based at this location since 1907.

Comprising of some 1400 peer-elected fellows, experts in the fields of science and the arts, the RSE hosts conferences, lectures and debates "on topical issues of lasting importance, many of which are free and open to all." It also provides grants totaling £1.7 million to top researchers and entrepreneurs working in Scotland.

The exterior of the Georgian New Town building on the corner of Hanover Street and George Street is distinguished by its decorative pillars and green cupola, with the words "Royal Society of Edinburgh" written under it. The interior still reflects the character of its distinguished history, including a portrait of author Walter Scott, with modern conference facilities added in recent years.