Slave trade is revisited in Blantyre

Mar 13 2008

DAVID Livingstone Centre has hosted a project to recognise the bicentenary of the abolition of Britain’s slave trade.

Last week, the centre premiered a CD produced by students at John Ogilvie High School in Hamilton and Calderside Academy in Blantyre.

The project was a strand of the National Trust for Scotland’s “This Is Our Story”, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It was all in commemoration of the abolition of the British slave trade in 1807.

Each of the school groups had three sessions of writing, rehearsing and recording work which they created themselves, inspired by the story of slavery and abolition.

Some of the themes were also translated into a modern context of bullying. The resulting CD of their work was very impressive, dramatic and thought-provoking, and will be played on their school radio stations.

The premiere was hosted by Alison Ritchie, Learning Officer at the David Livingstone Centre, and was attended by pupils and teachers from both of the participating classes.

Each participating student received a copy.