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Abolition of the slave trade
23/08/2007
A special reception was held this evening to mark the UNESCO International Day for Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
The event in Glasgow's Mitchell Library brought together individuals and groups involved in activities in Scotland to mark the 2007 Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, as well as those who are working to fight racism and slavery in its modern forms.
Communities and Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell, who hosted the reception, said:
"On this important anniversary, we should not forget the role that Scotland played in developing and perpetuating the slave trade. It was a shameful period in the history of many nations and it would be wrong to hide from that fact.
"This is also an opportunity to remember with pride the courage and conviction of those who fought to abolish the Slave Trade. Many of those brave individuals were Scots.
"Only through acknowledgement, regret and condemnation of the past can we move forward and tackle the contemporary challenges affecting people across the world, such as human trafficking."
The Ministerial event showcased "Witness", Heartstone's exhibition around slavery, as well as This is Our Story, the National Trust's display on Scotland and the Slave Trade. In addition, Stewartry Museum in Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway will be displaying some panels from its new exhibition to mark the 200th anniversary. The National Archives of Scotland (NAS) will be displaying material relating to work they have been doing around the Bicentenary.
The Scottish government has coordinated, developed, and supported a range of initiatives to mark the Bicentenary and improve public understanding of Scotland's role in the slave trade. Earlier this year, Scotland and the Slave Trade (a historical review of Scotland's role in the Slave Trade), was published and distributed to a range of bodies and organisations, including schools and libraries. The Scottish government also commissioned Learning and Teaching Scotland's new on-line resource on the abolition of slavery.
Bicentenary Working Group - the Scottish government convened a Scottish working group, bringing together key organisations across the country to co-ordinate and plan activities from a Scottish perspective and where appropriate, identify opportunities for joint working and awareness raising. The group includes members from Aberdeen City Council, Action of Churches Together in Scotland, the Big Lottery Fund, City of Edinburgh Council, Glasgow City Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, Learning and Teaching Scotland, National Archives of Scotland, National Galleries of Scotland, National Museums of Scotland, National Library of Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, and the Scottish Museums Council.
The Scottish government is now considering what would be appropriate and fitting in terms of a national permanent legacy project as part of Bicentary commemorations in Scotland.