Edinburgh Councillors approve wording for Melville Monument plaque
It'll recognise the role of Henry Dundas in delaying the abolition of slavery
Last updated 11th Jun 2020
Councillors have approved the wording of a plaque to be put on a controversial statue of Henry Dundas in the centre of Edinburgh, explaining his role in prolonging the slave trade.
The 150-feet-tall Melville Monument's been at the centre of a racism row, after demonstrators in Bristol tore down a statue of a slave trader during a Black Lives Matter protest.
The final wording of a new sign for the landmark in St Andrews Square, which was first suggested years ago, has now been agreed - following discussions between councillors, Edinburgh Heritage officials and the city’s first black professor, Sir Geoff Palmer.
The sign will read: “On the plinth at the centre of St Andrew Square stands a neoclassical column with a statue at the top. This represents Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville (1742 – 1811). He was the Scottish Lord Advocate and an MP for Edinburgh and Midlothian, and the First Lord of the Admiralty.
"Dundas was a contentious figure, provoking controversies that resonate to this day. While Home Secretary in 1792 and first Secretary of State for War in 1796 he was instrumental in deferring the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade. Slave trading by British ships was not abolished until 1807. As a result of this delay, more than half a million enslaved Africans crossed the Atlantic. Dundas also curbed democratic dissent in Scotland.
“Dundas both defended and expanded the British empire, imposing colonial rule on indigenous peoples. He was impeached in the United Kingdom for misappropriation of public money and although acquitted, he never held public office again. Despite this, the monument before you to Henry Dundas was funded by voluntary contribution from officers, petty officers, seamen and marines and erected in 1821, with the statue placed on top in 1827.
“In 2020 this was dedicated to the memory of the more than half a million Africans whose enslavement was a consequence of Henry Dundas’s actions.”
The Council's Policy and Sustainability Committee held a final vote on the wording, with the motion passing by 12 to six.
Councillor Adam McVey said: “I know there are many who would remove these statues and I know there are those, like Professor Geoff Palmer, who say ‘if you remove the evidence, you remove the deed’.
"We need to make sure any steps we take serve to educate and highlight all sides of Edinburgh’s story – the good and the bad.
"We should not hide from that. It’s important to also recognise the issues we have now and in understanding our history, we can help tackle prejudice in Edinburgh in 2020.”
Meanwhile Police Scotland will carry out additional patrols around the statue this weekend - and one dedicated to Henry Dundas' son Robert - to try to curb vandalism.
Some anti-racism graffiti was left on both during last weekend's demonstrations.
Assistant chief constable Kenny MacDonald said "We are aware of a small number of events scheduled to take place this weekend, however, our firm advice remains that people should find alternative ways to protest rather than attending mass gatherings - for example, through digital means.
"I am aware that vandalism of a small number of monuments and statues has taken place in recent days.
"Such action is criminal and will be fully investigated.
"Police officers will be providing additional patrolling around such monuments and statues in the coming days to deter such criminality.''
He added: "We understand that people want to make their voices heard but they must do so lawfully and peacefully.
"We would encourage everyone to continue to follow the Scottish Government's regulations and guidance to help the collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives.
"There will be an appropriate policing plan in place for the coming days and into the weekend.''
A wave of Black Lives Matter protests was sparked around the world by the death of George Floyd in police custody in the USA.
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