Trail highlighting legacy of slavery and colonialism launched in Glasgow

Glasgow's colonial history and the lasting impact of its role in the transatlantic slave trade will be highlighted by a new city centre trail, giving residents and visitors a better understanding of the city's past and its legacies.

The first phase of the Legacy of Slavery and Colonialism Trail takes in sites including the City Chambers, Merchant City, Trongate and the Gallery of Modern Art, revealing how wealth generated through slavery helped shape Glasgow's growth and institutions.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Glasgow merchants amassed significant fortunes through the tobacco, sugar and cotton trades, all of which were closely linked to enslaved labour.

The wealth generated through these industries had a profound influence on the city's economic, physical, social and political development.

The new trail has been informed by the research of Dr Stephen Mullen, Lecturer in History (Legacies of Atlantic Slavery) at the University of Glasgow, and builds on the work of the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER), whose Black History Month walking tours have helped raise awareness of Glasgow's connections to slavery and their continuing significance today.

Read more in our media centre here: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/news/trail-highlighting-legacy-of-slavery-and-colonialism-launched-in-glasgow