THE BUILDINGS
The NTS list of buildings linked to slavery includes:
Brodick Castle, Arran: Many items in the castle’s art collection, and arguably the 1844 extension, were funded by Jamaican plantation profits. Brodie Castle, Forres: The Brodie family’s fortunes were greatly improved by marriage to the daughter of a plantation owner. The castle was extensively remodelled shortly afterwards. Culzean Castle, Ayrshire: Home of slave Scipio Kennedy, who came to the castle as part of Jane Douglas’s dowry in her marriage to John Kennedy. Granted his freedom at 30, he continued to live on the estate. Geilston House and Garden, Cardross, Argyll & Bute: Was owned by Virginia tobacco merchant Thomas Donald. Glenfinnan Monument: Sited on the Glenaladale estate, once owned by Alexander Macdonald who had made his fortune in Jamaica. The monument was funded by a descendant. Greenbank House, near Glasgow: Built by Robert Allason who traded in tobacco and slaves. Harmony House, Melrose: Modelled on the Jamaica plantation home where its slaver owner made his money. House of Dun/Angus Folk Museum: NTS has included these in its list as they demonstrate how linen woven in Scotland was shipped to the Caribbean to provide clothing for slaves. Inveresk Lodge Gardens, East Lothian: Gardens for mansion which was home of Jamaica plantation owner James Wedderburn.
Newhailes: Lord Hailes was one of the judges who heard the Joseph Knight lawsuit, which ruled slavery was not legal in Scotland.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway, Ayrshire: Burns accepted a position as a bookkeeper on an estate in Jamaica, but stayed in Scotland. The Georgian House, Edinburgh: Has no direct links to slavery, but included to represent the New Town, much of which was built with the profits of slavery. Pollok House, Glasgow: Owners were closely linked to the Atlantic slave trade.
JM Barrie’s birthplace, Kirriemuir: Barrie’s father’s worked in the cloth weaving trade, which was linked to slavery.
Provan Hall, Glasgow: Owners included a doctor who bought it after returning from Jamaica.
The Pineapple Summerhouse, Airth, near Falkirk: Built by the Earl of Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, then the Bahamas. Ben Lawers, Perthshire: Once belonged to the Earl of Breadalbane, a slave owner. Balnain House, Inverness: Built by an indigo merchant, a trade which connected to slavery.