Historic Environment Scotland – Page 2 – The NEN

Fire and Ice captivates thousands as Castle of Light opens in spectacular style

Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public, drawing crowds from across the country for an action-packed launch filled with elemental wonder.

Fusing Scotland’s fierce spirit with its frozen beauty, Edinburgh and Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie, Adelle Ferrie and Merryn Gunderson took centre stage on the esplanade to ignite this year’s walking trail, triggering a dramatic eruption of light across the Castle walls.

Marking the start of a seven-week run for the UK’s largest annual projection show, Castle of Light: Fire and Ice will now transform the iconic fortress into an immersive world where ancient stories blaze to life after-dark, on select evenings until 4 January.

Matt Currie said: “It’s genuinely a massive honour to be here tonight and to play a small part in officially switching on the lights for Castle of Light. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and seeing it lit up with these spectacular projections and stories is truly special.”

Adelle Ferrie said: “Being up here on the esplanade tonight, seeing the buzz and excitement, really brings home how much this event means to Edinburgh. For us as players, getting to be part of such a great event that connects with the wider community is fantastic.

“It’s an amazing way to shine a light on what makes Edinburgh so unique. We’re incredibly proud to play our part in launching something that adds so much magic to the city’s winter calendar.”

Created by a consortium of Scotland’s leading digital and visual artists, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light continues to be a highlight of Edinburgh’s winter calendar, drawing families, friends and visitors eager to see the Castle in a breathtaking new light.

Returning for its sixth spectacular season, guests are invited to wander through an awe-inspiring tapestry of storytelling projections, with dazzling installations and atmospheric sound displays shaped by the enchanting forces of fire and ice.

From a dragon sweeping across the night sky to the Ice Queen gliding through the Great Hall, audiences will be captivated by mythical creatures, powerful storytelling and cutting-edge visual artistry.

One of this year’s most innovative moments is the dramatic reimagining of the ancient epic poem, Y Gododdin. Rather than using animation, the creative team collaborated with renowned Edinburgh-based artist Maria Rud, who painted her interpretation of the tale live in real time.

With every brushstroke projected onto the rock face, Maria’s hands — and even her hair — become part of the artwork, making the creation as mesmerising as the story itself. The result is a raw, expressive performance that brings the ancient warriors of Y Gododdin vividly to life while providing a striking contrast to the high-tech digital installations seen throughout the Castle elsewhere on the trail, making it an early standout of the 2025 show.

Alastair Young, producer of Castle of Light, said: “This year’s story celebrates Scotland’s resilience, forged in fire, shaped by ice, and to see audiences respond with such awe and excitement has been hugely rewarding.

“Whether people joined us for the very first time or returned for another adventure, the reaction so far has been phenomenal.”

While taking in the spectacular light and sound displays, guests savoured winter drinks, indulged in treats from the street food vendors and toasted marshmallows by the fire pit, adding to the atmosphere of the crisp November weekend.

Kit Reid, Head of Experience at Historic Environment Scotland, added: “Castle of Light: Fire and Ice has arrived with extraordinary energy this year.

“Watching the Castle come alive as thousands of visitors explored its fiery origins and icy transformations has been incredible. The opening weekend set the tone for what promises to be our most atmospheric and enchanting trail yet.”

The event runs on select evenings from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with ticketed entry slots every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

The last entry is between 7.30pm and 7.45pm, with the event closing at 9pm.

A special reduced-capacity ‘quiet night’ will also take place on Sunday 7 December, offering a calmer experience with softer lighting, lower sound levels and no smoke effects.

To celebrate St Andrew’s Day, a special £10 ticket offer will be available for entry on Sunday 30 November, with pre-booking encouraged as tickets are selling fast.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.com. Advance booking required.

HES publishes decision NOT to list Brunton Hall in Musselburgh

Following an assessment of the building informed by public consultation, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has concluded that the Brunton Hall civic centre complex in Musselburgh is of special interest for listing, but that development proposals are too far advanced to list the site.

When deciding whether to designate a site while there are ongoing development proposals, HES considers the impact that designation would have on these plans; the effect of the proposed development on the significance of the site and the extent to which plans have already been developed.

East Lothian Council is currently considering the future of the building due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in its roof.

As part of the assessment of the site, HES carried out research and a public consultation to gather evidence about the significance of the site. Over 300 people from Musselburgh and across Scotland, as well as from further afield, took part in the consultation, providing valuable information to inform the decision.

Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in our consultation and gave their views on the building.

“When making decisions about designations, we consider the individual circumstances of each case. Because of the advanced development proposals for Brunton Hall, we decided not to proceed with listing at this time. Although we have decided not to list the site, we hope that our report setting out the special interest of the building will inform the decisions that are made about the site.”

More information about the consultation and the decision can be found on CitizenSpace.

Mons Meg passes her MOT, 550 years after her first battle

Aerial condition check of one of the world’s most well-known medieval cannons shows that she is still being well-conserved

Historic Environment Scotland (HES), working with conservators from AOC Archaeology and the Royal Armouries, has undertaken a condition check of the extensive conservation works that Mons Meg underwent ten years ago.

Mons Meg is one of the biggest cannons ever built and was gifted to James II in 1457. She retired from service around 100 years later, in 1550, and fired her last shot in 1680 to mark a visit to Edinburgh by James Duke of York.

Mons Meg is now part of the Royal Armouries collection and, as part of the UK’s National Collection of Arms and Armour, she spent 75 years on display in England before returning to Edinburgh Castle for visitors to enjoy.

In 2015, Mons Meg underwent extensive conservation works by HES and AOC Archaeology. The paint that had built up on the iron was carefully removed by blasting it with ground-up military buttons, and the soft plastic removed the paint layers but caused no damage to the metal below.

Skilled painters at HES then re-painted her to protect her from corrosion and the elements, while making sure she still looked her best.

Ten years later, this unique cannon was gently lifted into the air so conservators could assess whether the conservation work was holding up as expected. The paint that was put in place is expected to last 20 years, and the check conducted this spring confirms that it is holding up well.

Chloe Allan, Regional Collections Manager at HES, said: “We were pleased to find that Mons Meg is still doing well, and that the system we put in place ten years ago is faring as expected.

“It’s an honour to look after such an important part of Scotland’s history. We carry out an annual condition check of Mons Meg but lifting the 6-tonne cannon is no easy task, so we’re happy to see that she won’t need another full 360° check of this kind for five years.”

Over 400 years since the Gunpowder Plot, James VI and I lives on

Conservators from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) have been carrying out painstaking conservation work of a portrait of James VI of Scotland, the only monarch to be born at Edinburgh Castle.

The painting of James VI, which is on loan from a private collection, normally hangs in the Mary Room at Edinburgh Castle. However, at the end of last year the painting was brought to HES’s conservation studio to undertake a full assessment and essential conservation treatment.

James VI and I, who ruled Scotland from 1567 as James VI and England and Ireland from 1603 as James I, is the only monarch to have been born at Edinburgh Castle. The only son of Mary, Queen of Scots, he is the longest-reigning monarch in Scotland’s history.

He was also the target of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, the attempted regicide plot to blow up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament. The thwarted conspiracy is commemorated by Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) on 5 November each year.

Over the many centuries of the portrait’s life, it naturally accumulates surface dirt and changes in the protective varnish coatings. The painting underwent conservation work to stabilise the paint layer.

The old, discoloured varnish was carefully removed and replaced with a new protective varnish. King James VI and I’s silvery blue sash and his gold regalia, which had dulled in the centuries since they were first painted, now shine once more.

During the consolidation and conservation work, various strands of investigation also became apparent for Ailsa Murray, Senior Paintings Conservator. Several areas of the painting were retouched during previous conservation treatment, visible as dark purple areas under U.V. light.

Through scientific analysis of the fill material, it was found that there had been at least two campaigns of conservation previously. The original painting had at some point been lined with a second canvas, and the original stretcher, the wooden structure that holds the canvas in place, had also been replaced.

The other strand of investigation explored the identity of the portrait’s painter. The inscription on the bottom right reads ‘Painted by Jameson’ superimposed by a second inscription ‘School of Vandyck’. It is possible that this relates to the 17th century Scottish portrait painter George Jamesone (b. 1587 – d. 1644), though it may have been added later.

The original portrait by Van Dyck of James VI and I forms part of the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle. The portrait was posthumously painted for Charles I and dates from 1632. If the portrait at Edinburgh Castle was indeed painted by Jamesone, this narrows the window from 1632 to 1644, when Jamesone passed away.

Restoration and inspection of portrait of James VI from the Edinburgh Castle collection. Painting on loan. Pictured – Ailsa Murray.

Ailsa Murray, Senior Painting Conservator at HES, said: “This painting has a lot of history to tell, and some of it may yet be uncovered. We hope that through this conservation treatment, the painting will be able to see another 400 years and continue to be enjoyed by visitors from all over the world.

“It’s a real privilege to be able to work so closely with such historically important works and to be just a small part of helping to preserve such collections for future generations.”

Scotland champions the next generation of talent during Heritage Careers Week

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) welcomed more than 600 young people across Scotland as they took part in Heritage Careers Week 2025.

The festival of career events returned for its second year to spotlight opportunities in the heritage sector.

HES, in partnership with organisations across the sector, celebrated Heritage Careers Week from Monday 27 to Friday 31 October.

The programme featured a mix of online and in-person events across the country, showcasing the wide variety of careers and employers in the sector – from conservation and archaeology to digital innovation and traditional crafts.

Highlights from the week included a careers fair at Edinburgh Castle, which welcomed over 100 attendees, and a hands-on skills taster day at The Engine Shed in Stirling, where 65 school pupils engaged directly with traditional craft experts.

Caerlaverock Castle also hosted a live skills demonstration, giving young people in Dumfries and Galloway the chance to see heritage skills in action.

As a hub of digital innovation and heritage science, HES’s dedicated building conservation centre The Engine Shed hosted the skills taster event with schools from across the Forth Valley.

In collaboration with more than 20 Scottish employers and Developing the Young Workforce, 65 young people had the opportunity to immerse themselves in interactive demonstrations including heritage science, thatching, blacksmithing, digital skills and stained glass.

Catherine Cartmell, Skills Investment Plan Manager at HES, said: “Heritage Careers Week helps people discover the diverse range of jobs available in Scotland’s heritage sector. These events give young people and adults a chance to get hands-on, meet the experts, and see how traditional skills continue to shape Scotland today.

“We’re facing a real shortage of these skills, but we hope this week’s activities will inspire the next generation to explore careers in the industry and keep these vital skills alive for years to come.

“History will soon be in the hands of the next generation.”

Heritage skills are essential in future-proofing Scotland’s historic sites and, in response to sector-wide skills shortages, events like The Engine Shed skills taster day aim to spark interest among young people and encourage them to consider a career in traditional skills.

Leona Hepburn, Principal Teacher for Positive Destinations and Transitions at Falkirk High School, said: “Events like these give the pupils hands-on experience so that they can have a go at different trades, bringing the subjects to life.

“It’s really important that events like these continue and we get more of them, because they build the picture for young people; it makes them see the jobs that are real and tangible, and not just the classroom environment.

“The young people are always buzzing afterwards! They come away and they’ve had a completely different experience to what they would in the classroom, in a safe and controlled environment. The whole event is just a lovely way to see young people grow and flourish.”

For information on how to get involved with Historic Environment Scotland’s upcoming training and skills opportunities, please visit:

www.historicenvironment.scot/learn/skills-and-training/

Halloween descends upon Edinburgh!

Creepy treats and eerie encounters are making their way to Historic Scotland sites across the country this October, with a range of family-friendly Halloween events.

Edinburgh Castle will transform into Edin-boo! Castle as it opens its gates to Halloween Shenanigans on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, inviting visitors to come and explore some of the darker tales of history, with Living History performers sharing stories of ghosts and dastardly doings.

On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, Craigmillar Castle becomes Craig-thriller Castle, with Halloween Shenanigans.

Visitors can hear from the Master of Owls himself, who will be on hand to delve into the myths and legends surrounding owls. There will even be a chance to meet the winged creatures up close. A magical storyteller will also be on site to share scary stories, songs, riddles and even some magic.

Families can also explore the Mythical Mystery Hunt, discovering some of the magical and mystical creatures of Scottish folklore. This self-guided activity is taking place at sites across the country, including Edinburgh Castle and Craigmillar Castle, until Sunday 2 November and is included in admission.

Kit Reid, Head of Experience at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors across the country for a ghoulishly good time this October.

Halloween is a great way to explore the chills and thrills of the darker parts of these iconic historic sites. From Living History performers sharing eerie stories to a family-friendly Mythical Mystery Hunt, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into the Halloween Spirit.”

Members can also collect their exclusive History Hunt Halloween card at any of these events.

Find out more about The History Hunt at:

historicenvironment.scot/membership/history-hunt.

For further information and to book tickets, visit historicenvironment.scot/whats-on.

Daytime entry is free for Historic Scotland members.

People across Edinburgh and Lothians invited to help shape the future of Scotland’s historic sites and collections in state care

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) launches consultation to guide how Scotland’s historic places, objects and archives are cared for and used
Public input will influence long-term decisions on managing Scotland’s heritage, and supporting communities across Edinburgh and the Lothians

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is inviting people across Edinburgh and the Lothians to help shape the future of some of the nation’s most important historic places and collections through a new public consultation.

HES looks after more than 300 historic sites and over 50,000 related objects and archival records, including sites such as Edinburgh and Craigmillar Castles and Linlithgow Palace on behalf of the people of Scotland.

The responses will help inform HES’s Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship, a long-term plan for how historic places, objects and archives are cared for, used and managed for generations to come.

By sharing their views, people will help HES understand how these historic places and collections matter to communities across Edinburgh and the Lothians, and ensure they’re cared for in ways that benefit future generations.

HES’s new strategy comes at a time when Scotland’s historic environment is facing significant challenges, including climate change and rising costs, to a shortage of traditional skills needed to maintain heritage sites.

At the same time, new technologies are opening up exciting ways to connect with wider audiences through digital access and interpretation.

These places have clear potential to do even more for the communities they serve. Visitor expectations are also evolving, with growing interest in sustainable tourism and more inclusive storytelling.

The consultation gives the public a chance to influence how HES responds to current challenges, makes informed decisions about the care of its historic sites and collections, and ensures those decisions reflect the needs of local communities now and in the future.

Participants will be asked for their views on HES’s proposed strategy, including its long-term vision and where the organisation should focus its efforts across its sites and collections.

Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES said: “Scotland’s historic environment requires a shared stewardship approach and the Properties in Care and the Collections associated with them represent some of the best Scotland has to offer as part of that asset base.

“We manage these cultural heritage assets on behalf of Scottish Ministers and therefore the people of Scotland through a long state care tradition.

“We have both challenges and opportunities before us and this strategy seeks to set these out and how we will deal with them going forward.

“What we choose to do will have long lasting consequences so it’s important that all views are taken into account. We know how much these places mean to local communities, to the people of Scotland and those who visit us from overseas.

“They are truly sustainable assets for subsequent generations if we get our approach right – balancing benefits without placing the assets themselves at risk.

“That’s why we’re asking everyone to share their views. These places and objects are an integral part of Scotland’s identity and sense of place – they contribute to our economy and environment, enhance our health and wellbeing and together we have to ensure we get the right balance on what we do and how we do it.

“We’re asking everyone with an interest to take part and help shape the future stewardship approach.”

The consultation is available now on CitizenSpace and will remain open until 23 January 2026.

The final strategy is expected to be published in spring 2026.

Historic Environment Scotland helps unlock Scotland’s history with £77 million in grant funding

From medieval churches to blacksmith forges, the HES grants programmes, currently open to applications, are helping communities reconnect with their heritage

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is marking a milestone of spending more than £77 million in grants over the last six years by inviting communities across the country to apply for funding to help unlock Scotland’s history.

Grants of up to £500,000 are available for communities, charities and heritage organisations to explore funding opportunities for projects ranging from conservation works to archaeological research and community-led initiatives.

The HES grants programmes play a vital role in supporting communities by helping them to transform places, create jobs, improve wellbeing and support climate action. In the last year, it has invested £1.74million in projects in Scotland’s most deprived communities to unlock local history.

This year’s investment builds on more than 350 organisations that have benefited over the last six years. The most awarded projects were places of worship (22%), community assets (17%) and monuments (13%), as well as thatched buildings (13%). Theatres and a wide variety of listed buildings also benefited from the heritage grants.

Recent research conducted by HES highlights the organisation spends £2.26 on heritage for every person in Scotland. The report also shows that every £1 of grant funding awarded by HES generates an additional £5.24 of investment into Scotland’s historic environment – multiplying huge benefits across local economies, jobs and communities.

Dr Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Our historic environment is one of Scotland’s greatest assets, but it needs care, investment and collaboration to thrive. Through our grants programmes, we want to empower communities to unlock history, knowledge and progress.

“Over the last six years we’ve spent more than £77 million to support over 350 incredible heritage projects – from local trusts to national institutions. These projects reflect the rich diversity of Scotland’s history and heritage. They also show how investment can deliver real benefits for the future – protecting communities, boosting local economies and supporting skills development.”

To highlight the impact of their grants, HES is placing a spotlight on the people that help maintain Scotland’s treasured landmarks and the difference that grants and investing in the historic environment can bring.

HES will feature recently funded projects including iconic places such as Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre (above), which reopened its doors after seven years of redevelopment, Linlithgow’s St Michael’s Church of Scotland, which repaired its famous ‘Crown of Thorns’ spire, and Ellisland Farm, the first marital home of national bard Robert Burns and his wife Jean Armour.

This year HES awarded a grant of £24,492 to Work of Iron, a Community Interest Company (CIC) blacksmith forge in The Pitt, part of a cluster of community projects leading the regeneration of Edinburgh’s Granton Waterfront.

Work of Iron teaches traditional blacksmithing techniques and encourages people to explore the heritage craft at its North Edinburgh Forge.

Jack Waygood, Founder and Blacksmith at Work of Iron, (top) said: “There’s a skills shortage in traditional ironwork and we’re tackling that whilst giving people from all walks of life the chance to try their hand at blacksmithing.

“We’re really excited to launch our community projects at The Pitt in Granton, offering an accessible way for people to give it a go, and to gain an insight into the industry. We want the forge to be completely self-sufficient and grant funding from Historic Environment Scotland is helping us kickstart that.”

For full details on how to apply for Historic Environment Scotland grants, please visit historicenvironment.scot/grants-and-funding/.

Meet the people behind some of HES’s previously funded projects and the impact of grant funding in their new photo series with exciting video content to follow on their social channels.

Labour politicians announce opposition to listing of Brunton Theatre

Local Labour politicians have come out against the proposal to list the Brunton Theatre building.

Their opposition was stated in an open letter to Historic Environment Scotland where they claimed listing the current building would jeopardise plans to build a new theatre in Musselburgh.

The letter was signed by Labour MSPs Sarah Boyack and Martin Whitfield, East Lothian MP Douglas Alexander, Edinburgh East MP Chris Murray and Musselburgh Councillors Andy Forrest and Ruaridh Bennett.

The signatories raised concerns that “preserving the current building also preserves many of the issues it faces, including a lack of accessibility, concerns over safety and vital maintenance”.

The letter also reiterated the elected representatives’ commitment towards a new theatre space in Musselburgh that can continue the cultural legacy of the current building while providing better facilities to improve accessibility.

The current theatre was mothballed last October after it closed its doors in 2023 for the last time due to the presence of RAAC.

Commenting on the letter, Ms Boyack said: “I hope this letter illustrates to Historic Environment Scotland why we oppose the listing of the current building. Our driving priority must be the continuation of a theatre in Musselburgh – listing will jeopardise this.

“I am looking forward to working with the Brunton Theatre Trust and with HES to find a solution that ensures that Musselburgh residents get an accessible and functioning theatre space.”

Brunton listing open letter updated Download

Edinburgh marks UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

This weekend, Edinburgh joined cities around the world in marking the UNESCO International Day of Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. This annual event on 23 August provides an important opportunity to reflect on the historical roots, practices and lasting consequences of slavery.

In honour of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, a special remembrance concert took place at St Cecilia’s Hall on Friday (22 August).

Hosted by the Edinburgh Slavery & Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group and supported by Historic Environment Scotland, the performance featured live music, dance and spoken word from diverse local artists.

City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “This day is not only about remembrance, but also responsibility. By acknowledging Edinburgh’s links to slavery and colonialism, we honour the memory of those who suffered and reaffirm our commitment to building a fairer and more inclusive city for the future.

“I’m grateful to the members of the Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group who continue to take forward the recommendations that were made to Council.

“These address the Capital’s historical links to slavery and colonialism and how they should be remembered in today’s Edinburgh. By reflecting on the Capital’s colonial links, we can better recognise its enduring legacy in our city and pay tribute to those who fought for its abolition.”

Irene Mosota, Chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group, said: “Today we pause to reflect on how our shared past continues to shape the present and the future.

“The history of slavery carved deep scars. Its echoes resound in divisions, in the barriers, in the racism we encounter still. To acknowledge this legacy with honesty, is the first step to more just and united society.

“Marking this day is not about reopening old wounds. It opens our eyes. It teaches us to remember. We do so to ensure that the injustices of the past are never repeated, and that our communities, our institutions, and our workplaces stand firmly against discrimination in all its forms.

“Our commitment is clear: to speak when silence would excuse wrong, to challenge what is unjust, to support what is fair, to listen with respect, and to continue learning from one another.

“When racism appears, we will not look away. We will answer it with fairness, with courage, and with solidarity for those most affected.

“Remembrance is not a single day. It is a living promise to uphold dignity, equality, and respect. That is what ‘never again’ means.”

Ranald MacInnes, Head of Outreach and Learning at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “This event is an important moment for reflection and connection. At HES, we are committed to working with communities to expand our knowledge and explore the legacy of empire.

“Understanding our shared past is an important part in addressing inequality and helps to ensure our heritage tells diverse and inclusive stories that belong to everyone.”

International Day for Remembrance of Slave Trade: ‘Time to abolish exploitation once and for all’

Victims of atrocities and freedom fighters across history can inspire future generations to build just societies,the chief of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said on the occasion of the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, commemorated annually on 23 August.

“It is time to abolish human exploitation once and for all and to recognise the equal and unconditional dignity of each and every individual,” Ms. Azoulay said.

The Day is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples.

‘The fight is not over’

Echoing the goals of UNESCO’s intercultural project The Routes of Enslaved Peoples, it should offer an opportunity for collective consideration of the historic causes, the methods and the consequences of this tragedy and for an analysis of the interactions to which it has given rise between Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean, said the UN agency, which leads the annual commemoration.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said that while the Day honours the victims of the transatlantic slave trade, “the fight is not over.”

“Modern slavery persists,” she stated. “Let’s confront injustice, past and present and uphold the dignity and rights of every person.”

For its part, the UN works towards these goals, including through its Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery, established in 2007.

Uprising led to abolition

On the night of 22 to 23 August 1791, in then Saint Domingue, now Haiti, saw the beginning of the uprising that would play a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

Against this background, the International Day is commemorated around the world. It was first celebrated in a number of countries, including in 1998 in Haiti and in 1999 on Gorée Island in Senegal, where millions of enslaved people had been forced onto ships to cross the ocean.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1959241211702829218

“Today, let us remember the victims and freedom fighters of the past so that they may inspire future generations to build just societies,” UNESCO’s Ms. Azoulay said.