This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Abolition of slave trade
25/03/2007
Communities Minister Rhona Brankin today praised the courage and conviction of Scots who supported the abolition of the slave trade 200 years ago.
The Minister was speaking as she took part in a Freedom Walk through Musselburgh to mark the official anniversary of the passing of the Act abolishing the trade of slaves in the British Empire.
It was also announced that the Executive has produced a new Scotland and the Slave Trade booklet that looks at the countrys historical ties with the trade and the role Scots played in consigning it to history.
The booklet will be distributed to a broad range of bodies and organisations, including schools and libraries. It will complement other resources available, including Learning and Teaching Scotland's new on-line resource which was also commissioned by the Executive as part of the commemorations.
As she joined the walk, organised by Action of Churches Together in Scotland, Ms Brankin said:
"From our modern 21st century perspective, the decision to abolish slavery looks like a simple choice between right and wrong that was easily made.
"But that would overlook the courage and conviction of many people who faced down the vested interests of those who sustained the evil trade in human lives.
"Many of those were Scots, and 200 years on from the passing of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, we should remember the vital contribution they made.
"We should also acknowledge the role some Scots played in the slave trade. We cannot hide from what was a shameful period in the history of many nations - which we all deeply regret.
"And we should acknowledge that slavery and its legacy still affects the modern world. That is not just through criminal acts like people trafficking, but also through the iron grip that holds millions of people in poverty across the world.
"This anniversary is a great opportunity to remember the spirit and respect for human rights that characterised the battle against slavery 200 years ago. Using that same spirit, the people of Scotland can help end the wrongs and injustice that continue to affect the world today.
"The new booklet to mark the anniversary raises awareness of the role that some Scots played in the slave trade and, importantly, also provides a record of the effort made by Scots to consign it to history. I hope the booklet will help inspire young and old alike."
The walk in Musselburgh followed the steps taken by Robert Wedderburn, the son of James Wedderburn, who owned Inveresk Lodge, and Rosana, a slave maid on one of his Jamaican plantations.
Robert came to Musselburgh in 1795 to visit his father. He did not receive a good welcome, and went on to become a radical and well known anti-slavery activist.