Slavery, Colonialism and Philanthropy at the University of Edinburgh

This annexed report produced for the Decolonised Transformations project (2022-24), part of the University of Edinburgh’s Race Review, assesses the University of Edinburgh's financial links to slavery and colonialism. The report investigates historical endowments and two capital campaigns to fundraise the construction of new campus buildings – Old College (c. 1789-1794) and the Old Medical School (c.1873-1887) – and identifies benefactors with connections to slavery and colonialism. In addition, the report provides an overview of the research's background, wider context, methodological approach and recommendations for further research.