Scotland'S Transnational Heritage: Legacies of Empire and Slavery

Scotland's Transnational Heritage explores how Scotland's history is intertwined with networks of empire and colonialism, highlighting the benefits Scottish trades and institutions gained from the Empire. The book offers new historical examples and innovative storytelling methods to re-think Scotland's history in the context of decolonization, inspiring heritage and museum staff to create new approaches to these histories.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Introduction:
Scotland's history is deeply intertwined with the legacies of empire and colonialism. From the Scottish Highlands to the Scottish Lowlands, the country has played a significant role as a transnational agent in networks of empire and colonialism. This book seeks to explore these legacies and offer practical methods for diversifying the stories we tell about them.
Scotland as a Transnational Agent:
Scotland's location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Americas has made it a hub for trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Throughout history, Scotland has been a key player in the European colonial empire, with its merchants, traders, and soldiers spreading Scottish culture, technology, and ideas across the globe.
One of the most significant legacies of Scotland's empire is its role in the Transatlantic Slave System. Scotland was a major participant in the trade of enslaved people, with many Scottish merchants and landowners profiting from the slave trade. However, this legacy is often overshadowed by the more positive aspects of Scotland's involvement in empire, such as its contributions to science, medicine, and literature.
New Historical Examples:
In recent years, historians have uncovered new historical examples of how Scotland's trades and institutions benefitted from empire. For example, Scotland's textile industry was heavily reliant on the cotton and sugar produced in the Caribbean and North America. The Scottish government also played a role in promoting the development of these industries through trade agreements and investment.
Another example is Scotland's role in the development of the railways in India and Africa. Scottish engineers and architects were instrumental in building the railways, which facilitated the movement of goods and people and helped to connect different parts of the empire.
Innovative Methods for Telling Transnational Heritage Stories:
To engage and inform a wider audience, there are innovative methods for telling transnational heritage stories. One approach is to use digital storytelling techniques, such as interactive maps, virtual reality, and augmented reality, to bring historical events to life. Another approach is to collaborate with local communities and indigenous groups to ensure that their voices are heard and their stories are included in the narrative.
Examples of New Creative Practices:
There are also examples of new creative practices that illuminate Scotland's role in the Transatlantic Slave System. For example, artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah has created a series of films and installations that explore the legacy of slavery in Scotland and the Caribbean. Another example is the work of the Scottish Black History Forum, which uses art, music, and storytelling to promote awareness of Scotland's Black history and its connections to the wider African diaspora.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Scotland's history is a complex and multifaceted story that is shaped by its participation in networks of empire and colonialism. By re-thinking the way that we tell these stories, we can create a more inclusive and accurate representation of Scotland's past. This will enable us to better understand the impact of empire on Scotland and the wider world, and to promote a more positive and inclusive vision of Scotland's place in the world today.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474493512