A new city centre trail has launched in Glasgow, highlighting the city's colonial history and the lasting impact of its role in the transatlantic slave trade.

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, showing how wealth generated through slavery helped shape the city's growth and institutions.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Glasgow merchants built fortunes through the tobacco, sugar and cotton trades, all closely tied to enslaved labour, with lasting effects on the city's economic, physical, social and political development.

The trail draws on research by Dr Stephen Mullen of the University of Glasgow and builds on walking tours run by the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights. Key stops include Glasgow City Chambers, linked to 40 Lord Provosts connected to slavery between 1636 and 1834, and 38 Gallowgate, once home to abolitionists William and Jane Smeal and used by Frederick Douglass during his Scottish tours.

Council leader's comment

Cllr Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, described the city's history as rich but at times deeply uncomfortable, saying the trail encourages people to look again at familiar streets and landmarks to gain a fuller understanding of Glasgow's past.

‘Many of Glasgow’s glories were built on a legacy of slavery and colonialism. The consequences of that legacy for the descendants of enslaved and colonised people continue to this day, whether right here in Glasgow or in other parts of the world,’ she said.

‘This trail encourages Glaswegians to look again at familiar streets, buildings and landmarks, to learn more about parts of Glasgow’s history that were overlooked for too long and to gain a fuller picture of the people, industries and institutions that helped shape our city. By making our whole history more visible and accessible, we can support greater understanding and encourage informed discussion.’