Review groups and remits
The independent review group led the review. It decided on how the review was carried out. They had an advisory group which supported them to carry out the review.
Remit of the review group
The terms of reference agreed by the group was to focus on things in the Council area that commemorate people with close links to slavery and colonialism. This included
- public statues
- monuments
- street names
- building names.
The group produced a set of recommendations that included both short and long-term measures. These will address the issue of commemorations which ignore or glorify the role of individuals and the city in slavery and colonialism which are basis of racial inequality in present-day ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½.
Review group chair
In November 2020, Sir Geoff Palmer was appointed as independent chair of the independent review group. Sir Geoff is
- a well-known human rights activist
- Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University
- Professor Emeritus in the School of Life Sciences at Heriot-Watt University.
He has worked with
- the Council
- academic representatives
- other stakeholders
to review and revise the interpretation for the Melville Monument in St Andrew Square. He speaks on contemporary anti-racist issues. He also publishes on ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½'s historic links with the transatlantic slave trade.
Review group members
People living or working in ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ were invited to be members of the review group. This made sure
- people of diverse backgrounds were represented
- we take on board many points of view
- we take a comprehensive approach.
Members included
- community leaders
- arts professionals
- academic representatives
- people working in
- equalities
- justice
- built heritage conservation.
All members volunteered their time, experience and knowledge.
Advisory group
We created an advisory group, with input from the chair, to support and resource the work of the review group. The members are local volunteers and people who work for the council. They provide a range of functions including
- advice on planning and conservation
- safeguarding
- equalities
- communications
- administrative support.
Both the advisory group and the review met regularly to move the review forward and to make decisions.