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Powis Gateway: Plaque to mark slavery links of Old Aberdeen landmark

The twin towers of Powis in Old AberdeenGateway
The twin towers of Powis Gateway are a prominent part of Old Aberdeen. Picture by Kami Thomson / DC Thomson

A plaque will be put up explaining how profits from the slave trade were used to create a picturesque archway in Old Aberdeen.

Powis Gateway has stood opposite Aberdeen University’s King’s College for nearly 200 years, its ornate towers looming over the historic High Street.

But campus chiefs now want to make sure people admiring the structure know how it was funded all those years ago.

They have now been given permission to install a plaque at the gateway, and an information panel nearby.

The gateway is on the High Street in Old Aberdeen.
The gateway is on the High Street in Old Aberdeen. Picture by Kami Thomson / DC Thomson

Slave owners used compensation cash after abolition to build Powis Gateway

The plaque will explain how Powis Gateway was built in the early 1830s by the Leslie family, using profits from slavery.

It will state: “The Leslies, the lairds of nearby Powis House, owned an estate in Jamaica on which they forced enslaved African people to work.

“After the 1833 Act for the Abolition of Slavery, the Leslies received government compensation that also helped fund the gateway.

“The formerly enslaved people received nothing for their years of unpaid labour and suffering.”

The twin towers of the Powis Gateway seen here in 1972.
The twin towers of the Powis Gateway seen here in 1972.

Important to ‘understand legacy’ of Powis Gateway

It comes after two years of consultation on the university’s historical links to the slave trade.

Old Aberdeen Community Council and Old Aberdeen Heritage Society have both been approached about the additions to the historic area.

Powis House, seen here in 1965, has been a community centre in Kittybrewster since 1942. It was built by Hugh Leslie of Powis in 1802.
Powis House, seen here in 1965, has been a community centre in Kittybrewster since 1942. It was built by Hugh Leslie of Powis in 1802.

In March, the university staged an online session entitled ‘Powis Gateway: Slavery and Memory in Old Aberdeen’, with more than 100 attendees.

Speaking at the time, researcher Richard Anderson said it was “important” all who pass through the gates “can better understand their legacy”.

A survey was thereafter conducted to determine the best way to word the plaque.


Do you think it’s right to highlight the landmark’s past? Let us know in our comments section below


Plaque could be in place within months

It comes after recently appointed council co-leader Ian Yuill suggested highlighting the slavery links of various Aberdeen street names.

He was later disappointed when, last November, the move was ruled out due to a prohibitive cost to the taxpayer of more than £140,000.

A survey suggested the panel and plaque as the best way to highlight the gateway's past
A survey suggested the panel and plaque as the best way to highlight the gateway’s past. Picture by Kami Thomson / DC Thomson

Aberdeen City Council’s capital growth and resources committee approved the proposal, the plaque and panel will be installed this year.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Yuill said it is “important we recognise history as we move on”.

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