Historic links to slavery survey

People are being encouraged to have their say on Inverclyde’s historical links to slavery and how they should be remembered.

The council has launched a short, online survey to seek the public’s views on the matter.

The brief questionnaire went live today (Monday 23 August), which is also International Day of Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.

It is part of the council’s work examining the historical connections between the area and the transatlantic slave trade.

As part of that, a working group has been set up and now the public are being given the chance to have their say on the best way to remember local links to slavery.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “Inverclyde has a rich and largely proud history but parts of our heritage are closely linked to the slave trade.

“We can’t simply erase that from the history books and forget it ever happened and nor should we.

“It’s important that we acknowledge and shine a light on those elements of our past as part of our reparation and it’s only right that people from all backgrounds are part of that process.

“The survey will only take a few minutes to complete but will provide valuable feedback on how we recognise our past appropriately.”

The consultation runs until Friday 10 September 2021. 

To take the survey, visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/yoursay.