Scotland, Slavery and Statues

The worldwide uproar following George Floyd's death sparked a renewed focus on racial justice, with Scotland at the forefront of the conversation. In Edinburgh, a towering statue of Henry Dundas became a focal point of contention. Dundas, a prominent Tory politician of the 18th century, played a significant role during the British Empire's expansion. This BAFTA-winning documentary, directed by Parisa Urquhart, delves into the contentious discussions surrounding his legacy. Sir Geoff Palmer, Scotland's first black professor, contends that Dundas actively obstructed the abolition of the slave trade, while his descendant, aristocrat Bobby Dundas, defends his ancestor as an advocate for abolition.