GUIDED TOURS Robert Smail's Printing Works 2025

• Try your hand at being an apprentice compositor in the Caseroom.
• See how newspapers, tickets, posters and letterheads were printed before the digital age.
• Explore Robert Smail’s office, scarcely altered since 1866.
• Admire the waterwheel that once powered the printing works.
• Discover a working letterpress printers.
• Peruse the Stationers Shop for letterpress printed items, and traditional stock such as pens and ink

HOURS:

AUGUST: Tours begin at 11am, 1.30pm, and 3.15pm Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

SEPTEMBER: Tours begin at 11am, 1.30pm, and 3.15pm MONDAYS ONLY

Access to the printing works area is by tour only. Tours last around 90 minutes.

Spaces are limited and so booking in advance is recommended. Members can book for free, while non-members will need to pay when booking. If you do not pre-book, we cannot guarantee entry to the property and you may be turned away; without booking, you travel at your own risk.

For last minute spaces, call 01896 830 206

Members (NTS and other Trusts)

Member entry will be free but you must book in advance.

Each individual member will require a ticket so please ensure you purchase the correct quantity of tickets to cover those visiting (eg Family Members bringing 2 adults and 2 children will require 4 family membership tickets).

You’ll also need to show your membership card on arrival. Members of other National Trusts (for e.g. The National Trust [England]) & groups such as ASVA are also admitted free. Please book as a Trust memeber and bring your cards to show on entry.

Non-Members

Please purchase the required ticket type. You may be asked for identification upon entry. Prices exclude Eventbrite booking fee.

• Adult – £11
• Concession – £8.50
• Child £6.50
• Family (2 adults and up to 2 children) – £31.50
• 1 Parent family – £21
• Young Scot - £1

Before you travel

Please consider other visitors prior to travelling if you have symptoms of cold / flu and other airborne viruses.

Parking is available at the Leithen Road car park, across the road opposite the Memorial Hall, 5 mins walk away, or on Leithen Crescent around the corner from the Printing Works. Please note that parking on the High Street is restricted to 45 mins. Limited bicycle storage is available in our courtyard (please ask shop staff for assistance).

Accessibility

Unfortunately, our Caseroom is upstairs and is not suitable for wheelchair access.

Any necessary companion(s) are admitted free (please book as a Trust member). We welcome all assistance dogs.

More information can be found here: Robert Smail’s Printing Works… | National Trust for Scotland

Dogs

Unfortunately due to small spaces and working machinery the Printing Works is not dog friendly (except for assistance dogs & guide dogs).

Toilets

The printing works has no public toilet facilities.

Gift Shop

Our gift shop is open between 10.30am–5pm.

We hope you enjoy your visit!