Children’s artwork brings the history of the Church’s legacy of slavery to life

Aberlour Parish Church hosted a special one-day exhibition celebrating the creativity of local children while exploring the town's historical links to transatlantic slavery.

Pupils from local schools showcased artwork developed during previous workshops that invited them to reflect on the town's past and imagine a fairer, more just future.

Central to this history is the church tower, whose foundation stone was laid on 22 April 1839. The tower and the enlargement of the church were funded by Alexander Grant of Aberlour, who amassed his fortune as a planter and merchant in Jamaica, profiting from the labour of enslaved African people and receiving compensation of over £24,000 (around £2,900,000 in 2023) from the British government after abolition. Grant returned to Scotland around 1838 and commissioned the work, designed by Elgin architect Mr Robertson.

The event built on workshops led by Dr Jim MacPherson of the University of the Highlands and Islands, which explored how the town's wealth and buildings were shaped by empire.

It also featured contributions from Lisa Williams, founder of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association, curator of education programmes, arts events, and walking tours promoting awareness of Black Scottish history and links between Scotland and the Caribbean.

She was joined by Very Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, former Moderator of the General Assembly, who is now convener of the Church's Legacies of Slavery task group. Their reflections explored Aberlour's local history within the Church of Scotland's wider efforts to confront its involvement in transatlantic slavery.

The Church's Legacy of Slavery Task Group has been visiting presbyteries across the country, sharing historical research, contemporary stories from partners in Jamaica, and resources to support local work in this area. The group is preparing a statement of acknowledgment and apology for presentation at the 2026 General Assembly.

Reflecting on the role of young people and their ability to reflect on this history, Sally Foster-Fulton said:

"Children are uniquely able to look unflinchingly at difficult histories. They ask the questions adults sometimes shy away from and help us all consider our responsibility to reflect, repent, and act. By seeing the past clearly through their eyes, we are challenged to think seriously about what justice and repair mean today. The Church of Scotland is committed to facing this history openly — because the legacy of slavery continues to shape society, and we must respond faithfully to that reality."

The exhibition demonstrates how historical research, creative expression, and faith reflection can work together, showing how local communities can confront difficult legacies while imagining a hopeful and just future.