INVERCLYDE Council has won a national award for its work examining historic links to slavery.

The council scooped the ‘Strengthening communities and local democracy’ prize at the 2023 COSLA Excellence Awards.

The local authority gave a commitment to investigate the area’s history and address the legacy of slavery in 2020.

Since then, the council has been working with a range of partner organisations, community groups and individuals to examine Inverclyde’s historic links to the transatlantic slave trade and how they should be remembered.

A dedicated group was established to take forward the project, examine key themes in closer detail, and investigate appropriate reparations.

Council leader Stephen McCabe said: “This is worthy recognition for the excellent work done by various council services alongside individuals and external organisations to examine and explore the extremely important issue of the area’s historic links to slavery.

“There is no doubt Inverclyde has a rich history and produced people who revolutionised the world and that should never be forgotten but we are also acutely aware of another side to our heritage that equally must be remembered and acknowledged appropriately.

“The historic links to slavery project and steering group are working to that end and should be commended for their efforts to date.

“Congratulations to all involved for winning this award.”

Collaboration was a key part of the slavery project.

Support was sought from individuals, groups and organisations with experience in this area, including other councils, universities, Museums & Galleries Scotland, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Beacon Arts Centre and the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights.

Under the project there have been various public consultations, including listening events, an extensive audit of places and buildings with features or links to slavery, and greater focus on education about black history, culture and anti-racism messages in schools and the wider community.

The council said that 'very strong message' coming back from the community was that the focus should be on education and ensuring that the community is fully informed about the issues that have influenced Inverclyde past and present.

The council-run Watt Institution, incorporating the McLean Museum & Art Gallery, Watt Library and Watt Hall, has played a key role in the scheme and also secured a £230,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the 'de-colonisation of the museum collection'.

The historic links to slavery project has also seen work done around the Gourock Coat of Arms, which is regarded as having racial imagery, greater support for Black History Month during October, and development of a new heritage trail and abolitionist plaque.