Speaker: Richard Blake WS

The fortunes of the Grants of Kilgraston in Perthshire were interlinked with the rise and subsequent decline of the British Empire and the Caribbean slave economy. The men and women are a wonderfully varied cast of characters who were colourful, idiosyncratic, wayward and talented. As the British Empire extended its dominion, the Grants cemented their position in high society and left their mark on history as they encountered royalty and the White Rajahs of Sarawak.

Drawing from his new book, Richard Blake WS explores the links between the men and women of the Grants of Kilgraston and Sarawak in south east Asia, Nova Scotia, Jamaica and Edinburgh, illuminating a crucial period in colonial history with a wonderfully varied cast of characters from an important and influential Scottish family who left a deep mark upon their times. It is hoped to have copies of the book available for purchase on the night.