Caribbean Connections events

Update | March 2024: Pollok House is now closed for approximately two years to facilitate the second phase of a £4 million programme of investment led by Glasgow City Council. The works will comprise roof and general building fabric repairs.

A series of events throughout April and May 2023 will focus on the dynamism of Caribbean arts and culture while exploring historical connections and the complex relationship between Pollok House and the Caribbean islands. We hope to increase awareness and appreciation of Caribbean culture and heritage by highlighting its richness and diversity with the local community in Glasgow.

Stuart MacKinnon, National Trust for Scotland Operations Manager at Pollok House, said: ‘This is a unique opportunity to engage with Caribbean culture and enjoy its cuisine, music, history and traditions in an accessible way. The Caribbean Connections events, such as the Disrupting the Archives conversations at the Mitchell Library, offer a relaxed setting to explore the historic relationship between Pollok House and the Caribbean.’

Inspiration for the Caribbean Connections events came from the Trust’s Facing Our Past project, which investigates the wider international connections of the places in our care. As with many Trust properties, the heritage of Pollok House and its family history have multi-generational links to the Caribbean, including Jamaican plantations, and provides an opportunity to explore and commemorate this in an appropriate way.

British-Grenadian academic Lisa Williams, founder of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association, has worked with the Trust’s Facing our Past project team to design the events to celebrate contemporary Caribbean culture while acknowledging and exploring the complicated history between the Caribbean and Scotland. Lisa said: ‘Caribbean Connections aims to honour a unique regional culture born of resistance, resilience and blending of cultures from around the world. Our centuries of intellectual and cultural creations continue to leave their mark across the world.’

Caribbean Connections events taking place across Glasgow include:

Island Slice: History of Rum

Pollok House
Friday 5 May 2023, 6.30–8pm

Join a unique rum tasting experience that explores the history of rum, Pollok House and its historical connection to Jamaica. Rum has been produced on the Hampden Estate since 1753, when it was a plantation under the ownership of the Stirling family. This iconic Caribbean drink was a driver of the early global economy and became integral to both Caribbean social culture and spiritual ritual.

During the tasting, visitors will have the opportunity to sample a range of premium rums carefully selected to showcase a variety of rich and diverse flavours. Led by master distiller Sylvester Herman from the Caribbean island of St Lucia, visitors can experience different types of rum, from light and fruity to bold and robust. Sip, savour and socialise with other rum connoisseurs for an evening in the elegant surroundings of Pollok House with stunning views of the surrounding country park.