Research looks into Robert Burns link to slave trade
A study by researchers at Glasgow University suggests lack of evidence into claims the poet planned to move to Jamaica
Last updated 2nd Nov 2026
Researchers at the University of Glasgow are questioning theories about Robert Burns' connection to the slave trade in a new study.
They have been looking at shipping records and are suggesting there is not enough evidence to back claims he planned to move to Jamaica to work at a plantation.
It has long been believed he had bought tickets to sail on three different ships out to Jamaica to be a book keeper for a plantation where enslaved people were kept.
However, the study suggests there is no concrete evidence showing he ever had plans to sail on two of them.
"People's imaginations run a wee bit wild"
Scottish literature expert Dr Craig Lamont is one of the authors of the paper, titled ‘Historicising Robert Burns’s Jamaica, 1786-1834’, who says it is important for the information provided about historic figures to be as accurate as possible.
He said: “People’s imaginations run a wee bit wild, especially visitors to these places from all over the world who think ‘I want to know more about Burns’, and when these sorts of histories are put out in front of them, but without the evidence, then we could end up with a wrong impression of Burns.”
Dr Lamont co-authored the report with leading historian Dr Stephen Mullen.
The article notes how recent heritage and institutional narratives have sometimes exaggerated Burns’ connection to slavery, using him as a symbol for Scottish complicity, despite no evidence of direct involvement.
"Some horrible histories"
Dr Lamont would prefer a more accurate and responsible public history, saying: “There are other people who did go and carry out these roles, and other things, some horrible histories there but they’re largely forgotten.
“We think it would make more sense if those figures were brought to light and interrogated, and then Scotland’s connection to slavery made more sense, and there was more evidence for it.”
He continues: “There are plenty more people of Burns’ age, of Burns’ financial status who did go to Jamaica, so we think it’s more fair to use the evidence interrogate their legacy, and of course review Burns’ legacy as much as we want, we always will because he’s a national figure.”
The article concludes: “The man Robert Burns who rejected a lucrative offer to go to Jamaica at a time of personal crisis, and had no material connection to the African slave trade or chattel slavery, should no longer serve as the emblem for the Scots who did.”
"Sincere sorrow"
Drs Mullen and Lamont say they hope their new research “establishes a model with implications how Burns and Caribbean slavery is interpreted in civic Scotland.”
The article comes as the King wraps up a nine day visit to the Caribbean, where he is expected to talk about the issue of slavery with “unflinching honesty” and “sincere sorrow” in a speech to open the Commonwealth leaders' summit in Antigua, but is not expected to offer an apology.
Prior to the visit, it is understood the King was not advised to apologise or offer reparations, in keeping with established policy.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed his “sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering of so many millions” but also ruled out considering financial reparations.
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