A £1.6 million bequest, originating from a Scottish slave trader, lingers in limbo amidst disputes and stalled progress. The Dick Bequest, established in 1828 by James Dick, a prosperous slave trader, continues to fund educational initiatives in northeast Scotland. Yet, as Scotland grapples with its historical ties to slavery, the question of what to do with this controversial legacy looms large.
A Legacy of Slavery
Historians David Alston and Donald Morrison have long argued that the Dick Bequest is a direct outcome of the atrocities of slavery. They propose that the funds should be repatriated to Jamaica, where James Dick’s wealth was amassed, to benefit schools there. This notion has garnered support from local SNP MSPs and has led to distancing from appointing bodies such as Moray and Aberdeenshire councils and Aberdeen University.
However, the Scottish Government finds itself in a legal quagmire, lacking the authority to direct charitable activities. This impasse is further complicated by the trustees’ reluctance to engage in public discourse, contributing to the stagnation of any meaningful resolution.
The Call for Reparations
With the weight of history bearing down, the call for reparations grows louder. Alston and Morrison have urged First Minister Humza Yousaf to support the repatriation of the Dick Bequest to Jamaica. They also advocate for open discussions on reparations for colonial slavery, a step they believe is crucial for Scotland to truly confront its past.
The issue extends beyond monetary reparations. It involves acknowledging and educating about Scotland’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, a chapter often overlooked in the nation’s history. Some suggest using the Dick Bequest for this purpose, transforming a painful legacy into a tool for learning and healing.
An Impasse Unresolved
As disagreements persist between the trustees and the Scottish Government, the Dick Bequest remains in a state of limbo. This stalemate is a far cry from Scotland’s self-proclaimed image as an ‘outward looking nation’. It raises questions about the nation’s commitment to addressing its past involvement in slavery and making amends for the suffering it caused.
The Dick Bequest, once a source of educational opportunity, now serves as a reminder of Scotland’s entanglement with the cruel and exploitative system of slavery. As the world watches, Scotland stands at a crossroads, facing the challenging task of deciding how to reconcile with its past and move forward.
In this moment of reckoning, the fate of the Dick Bequest hangs in the balance. Will it continue to fund educational initiatives in northeast Scotland, or will it be repatriated to Jamaica, providing a measure of reparation for the descendants of those enslaved by James Dick? The answer lies in the hands of the Scottish Government and the trustees of the Dick Bequest.
As Scotland grapples with these questions, the Dick Bequest serves as a potent reminder of the nation’s historical ties to slavery. It underscores the importance of confronting the past, acknowledging the wrongs committed, and seeking ways to make amends. In doing so, Scotland can truly live up to its image as an ‘outward looking nation’, one that learns from its history and strives for a more just and equitable future.