Abolition of the Slave Trade Bicentenary
Bicentenary of the 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act
25 March 2007 marked 200 years since the Westminster Parliament passed the Bill that abolished the trading of slaves in the British Empire. The Abolition of the Slave Trade Act meant that it was illegal to trade in slaves throughout the British Empire and British ships were banned from being involved in the trade. The Act marked the beginning of the end for the slave trade in the British Empire, although this was not achieved until the Abolition of Slavery Act in 1838.
The Act of Union in 1707 allowed Scotland access to the slave trade. Scots travelled out to the colonies and generated great wealth for Scotland based on slave labour. However, Scotland also played a leading role in abolishing the slave trade in the British Empire. The 2007 bicentenary is an important opportunity to reflect on the past and remember the dedication and courage of people all over the world who campaigned for the abolition of the slave trade.
In Scotland it is important that we recognise our own distinctive and important role in the slave trade and in its abolition. Through-out Scotland events and exhibitions are taking place in 2007, which reflect on the slave trade and pay tribute to those who sought to abolish it.
To co-ordinate activity in 2007, the Scottish Government established a Scottish Working Group. Read on to find out more about the trans-Atlantic slave trade and what's going on to commemorate this important anniversary.