Empire, Slavery and Scotland's Museums steering group recommendations: Scottish Government Response

What is already being done in Scotland's museums to understand Scotland's role in Empire and Historic Slavery

Before addressing each recommendation specifically, it is important to acknowledge the considerable scale of work which has already been completed to allow us to reach this point of understanding of the complexities of Scotland's links with colonialism and historic slavery. The museum sector's readiness to lead and drive this work forward, often within a challenging financial landscape is evident in the many projects in this area which is built upon the extensive action that anti-racism campaigners have constructed over many decades.

From Paxton Trust in Berwick to Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath in the Outer Hebrides, museums have made international connections to share stories of Scotland's links to empire and historic slavery. Over in Blantyre, the David Livingstone Birthplace is re-examining his work within the complex and painful realities of slavery and colonialism. The National Trust for Scotland is 'Facing Our Past', researching and uncovering the legacies of slavery in their properties. While, Edinburgh and Glasgow have also committed to researching and sharing their connections to the legacies of slavery and empire in their cities' museums. The Hunterian initiative 'Curating Discomfort' explored anti-racist interventions in museum practices to begin addressing historic power imbalances and confront the celebration of white supremacy in collections. In Glasgow Life, Changemakers – Our Shared Cultural Heritage, a youth-led group, has been giving their views and aspirations to make positive institutional changes in the way the Museums represent communities affected by British colonisation.

Scotland's willingness to reflect on our colonial history and its complex legacies is also reflected in the recent decision by National Museums Scotland to return the House of Ni'isjoohl Memorial Pole to its homeland in the Nisga'a Nation in British Colombia, Canada.

There is an Annex with further examples of good practice from across the sector which demonstrates the ongoing commitment from museums and galleries across Scotland to provide more accurate interpretation and decolonise collections.