69. A Reckoning with Slavery

The podcast explores the legacy of slavery through the lens of Alex Renton's personal journey detailed in his book, *Blood Legacy*. Renton, an investigative journalist, uncovers his family's involvement in the slave trade by examining archives in his ancestral Scottish home. The discussion highlights the moral complexities of historical figures, like Renton's ancestor Sir Adam Ferguson, an Enlightenment thinker who simultaneously profited from slavery. The economic impact of slavery on Scotland's transformation in the 18th century is examined, alongside the ongoing debates surrounding reparations and the removal of statues of controversial figures like Dundas. Renton reflects on his visit to Tobago, the kindness he was met with, and the importance of acknowledging and addressing the persistent racial inequalities rooted in slavery.