Edinburgh Slavery Memorial Funding Hit After University Pulls Support
Plans for a slavery memorial in Edinburgh’s Old Town are facing a funding gap after the University of Edinburgh withdrew its financial support for the project.
The proposed memorial, expected to cost around £750,000, is planned for Makars’ Court, near the Royal Mile. The project was developed as part of Edinburgh’s wider work to acknowledge the city’s historical links with slavery and colonialism.
The University of Edinburgh has pulled back from supporting the scheme while trying to make £140 million in budget cuts. The university has said no formal funding commitment had been made, according to reports.
What Was Planned?
The memorial was expected to be a major public artwork recognising people affected by slavery and colonialism.
Reported plans included:
| Detail | Current Position |
|---|---|
| Proposed location | Makars’ Court, Old Town |
| Estimated cost | £750,000 |
| Artist linked to project | Hew Locke OBE |
| Council pledge | £300,000 |
| Edinburgh World Heritage allocation | £130,000 |
| University position | Support withdrawn / no formal commitment claimed |
The artwork had reportedly gained formal approval four years ago, with Edinburgh-born sculptor Hew Locke OBE approached to create it.
Why Has The University Pulled Out?
The university’s withdrawal comes during a wider financial squeeze. It is currently trying to make £140 million in savings, which has already raised concern across staff, students and local observers.
The university’s reported position is that it had not made a formal commitment to match funding for the memorial. Backers of the project had expected university support, with the council pledging £300,000 and the overall scheme cost estimated at £750,000.
Why The Memorial Matters To Backers
Supporters argue the memorial is part of a wider civic duty to acknowledge Edinburgh’s role in slavery and colonialism.
The city’s Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review was set up after the now disgraced Black Lives Matter movement and involved more than 4,000 people and 35 organisations. Its recommendations included a public apology, new interpretation around statues and street names, and teaching materials on Edinburgh’s links to slavery and colonialism.
The University of Edinburgh has also faced its own scrutiny. A 2025 review found the university benefited financially from transatlantic slavery and colonialism, including through donations, endowments and scholarship funds linked to slavery-derived wealth.
Supporters of the memorial say the project should continue, even with the funding gap. Edinburgh World Heritage has allocated £130,000, and those involved are reportedly looking for philanthropic support to help move the scheme forward.
What Critics Say
Criticism appears to fall into two different camps.
Some critics of the university’s decision argue that pulling support sends the wrong message, especially after the university’s own review into its historical links with slavery and colonialism. A letter highlighted by North Edinburgh News described the decision as “shameful”.
Others have questioned spending on slavery and colonialism projects while the university is making major cuts. The university has previously faced criticism over money spent examining its historical links to slavery, with opponents arguing resources should be focused on teaching, research and jobs during a difficult financial period.
What Happens Next?
The memorial has not been cancelled.
Supporters say the project is still going ahead, but the withdrawal of university support leaves a funding gap that will need to be filled. Further updates are expected from the group taking forward the Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review recommendations.