Research into new slavery museum bid
AN independent research group is being set up by the Scottish Government t o i nve s t i g at e t he potential development of a museum highlighting Glasgow’s connection to slavery.
A letter received by Glasgow City Council confirms that the Scottish Government has partnered with both Museums Galleries Scotland ( MGS) and race equality / museum sector stakeholders to sponsor the expert group.
Their job is to make recommendations on how the existing and future museum collections can better recognise and accurately represent Scotland’s colonial history.
The expert group, from diverse varied backgrounds and called “Empire, Slavery & Scotland’s Museums: Addressing Our Colonial Legacy” will make recommendations on what form the colonial history museum will take, its scope and if a physical or virtual museum is recommend.
Last month a motion was brought before full council to discuss the feasibility of a national museum dedicated to illuminating colonialism, imperialism and slavery.
The council also agreed to engage in a legitimate democratic process and civic conversation regarding the statues and street names that commemorate prominent figures associated with slavery through the tobacco, sugar and cotton trades.
A letter to the local authority from Christina McKelvie says: “Those who came to Scotland via the slave trade and empire, and their descendants, have made a positive and lasting contribution to the country which ought to be recognised.
“We are really proud to be partnering with MGS and others to identify the ways in which we can reinterpret aspects of our hidden or contested heritage – and present a more accurate and complete picture of our past.
“The Scottish Government values the considerable and important role of our diverse minority ethnic communities, and it is a pleasure to see Glasgow City Council feel the same.
“We cannot, and will not, tolerate hate crime, prejudice or discrimination of any kind – and it was with this in mind that during the period 2019/ 2020 we were able to provide over £ 2.6 million to advance race equality in Scotland, as well as to support various projects to specifically support minority ethnic communities throughout the coronavirus epidemic.
“The Deputy First Minister will meet stakeholders at the earliest opportunity to identify what further steps can be taken.”