In the days following the Black Lives Matter protest in Holyrood Park the council agreed the wording for the plaque ono the Melville Monument after a two year hiatus.
The committee set up to deal with this had not been able to agree the wording before it became essential.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “It’s right that a more accurate description was agreed for the plaque at the statue of Henry Dundas and we were keen to act quickly. These temporary signs will be in place for the next 6-8 weeks while the permanent plaque is created and goes through the planning and listed building consent process.
“It’s important that a more appropriate and factual description is in place so that we can all get a better understanding of Edinburgh’s history, and particularly an honest acknowledgement of our City’s role in the slave trade. By more accurately reflecting our past we can more accurately accept our present and lingering racism which still haunts our society which must be stamped out. The voices of ethnic minority residents are key to that progress.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day added:“There is no place for racism, prejudice, discrimination, intolerance and hate in Edinburgh and we will continue to nurture and enhance the Capital’s globally renowned reputation as a safe, welcoming, inclusive city for anyone, from anywhere, to live, work, study, and visit.
“Whilst we await the permanent plaque being installed, I’m happy to see that from today, visitors will be able to read the updated wording and the QR code on the temporary sign will take users to Edinburgh World Heritage’s webpage on Henry Dundas and his story.”
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