MSPs to hear calls for slave trade museum

Plans for a museum to mark Scotland’s historic links with the slave trade will be debated at the Scottish Parliament.

Campaigning MSP Stuart McMillan believes the facility should be housed at historic Grade-A listed warehouses known as the Sugar Sheds in Greenock.

He has secured a member’s debate on Wednesday following cross-party support for his proposals for talks on the issue. Mr McMillan said: “My belief is that the correct location for such a museum is Inverclyde, with its links with the sugar, tobacco and cotton industries, and the associated financial wealth generated for merchants.”

His motion states: “Inverclyde was reported to be the world leader in the sugar trade, which ensured vast wealth was created both during and following the abolition of the slave trade in 1833.”

It also cites “the building of the historic sugar warehouses at the James Watt Dock in Greenock which were opened in 1886” as a location for the museum, adding the project would create “educational and economic opportunities for future generations”.

Mr McMillan, the SNP member for Inverclyde, told The Sunday Post: “I firmly believe the sugar warehouses would be the ideal location for such a museum which would be a national asset and provide a significant boost for an area which has faced well-documented challenges in recent years.”

The Scottish Government is looking for an “appropriate location” for a museum.