The Merchants House of Glasgow Response to Historical Slavery

The Directors of the Merchants House of Glasgow acknowledge that Glasgow’s, and our own, history (particularly in the 18th century and the early part of the 19th century) has connections with slavery. In particular, a number of those holding the office of Lord Dean or who left funds to the House for our charitable purposes profited from slavery. We also acknowledge that we cannot change the past, but we can – and will – positively influence the future.

The Merchants House of Glasgow-Recognising our Historic Links to Slavery

We are a charity focusing on tackling inequality and promoting equal opportunities for all by making regular payments to people in financial difficulty and by supporting a range of charities, many of which aim to alleviate poverty and injustice.

Our objective is to make a difference in the lives and experiences of the people of Glasgow and the west of Scotland.   To this aim we continue to strive to deliver support where it is most needed and has the greatest impact.

Recognising our historic links to slavery – Our progress, so far:

  • We have renamed one of our principal meeting rooms the “James McCune Smith Room” to recognise our links to slavery
  • We sponsor Glasgow University’s James McCune Smith lecture series named after the first African American to be awarded a medical degree, receiving an MD from the University of Glasgow in 1837. Recent lectures have focused on the issue of slavery
  • We have installed a plaque that recognises that some of our members and donors benefited from slavery and this commemorates those who suffered enslavement
  • During Black History Month, the Merchants Hall is available for lectures/educational seminars on slavery.