Glasgow teachers are to receive history training in the city’s role in the slave trade to boost pupil knowledge about the subject.

It comes as the Kelvingrove museum launches an exhibition looking at Glasgow’s links to slavery while city councillor Soryia Siddique calls for schools to be taught an accurate account of Scotland’s connection to it.

Today a number of streets named after slave owners, mansions and buildings linked to the trade and statues representing people connected to enforced labour are reminders of the part played by Glasgow.

Councillor Siddique has welcomed the Kelvingrove exhibition while stressing the need for the school curriculum to include Glasgow’s role as the second city of the British empire.

Councillor Christina Cannon, education convenor said teachers will get coached in local history including the part played by Glasgow in the Atlantic slave trade this academic year. The move has seen the council work in partnership with Professor Stephen Mullen of Glasgow University and Glasgow Museums.

Labour councillor Siddique said: “It is good to hear there is a new exhibition looking at Glasgow’s links to slavery and colonialism at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Glasgow was known as second city of the British Empire.

“Exhibitions are one avenue to learn about Glasgow’s historical role in slavery and the British Empire.

“We should also be reviewing the primary and secondary school curriculum to include an accurate representation of Scotland’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and the resulting monetary benefits.”

Explaining new work going on in primaries and secondaries, SNP Councillor Cannon said: “All Glasgow schools are encouraged to teach young people about local history. This would include the role of Glasgow in the Atlantic slave trade. Glasgow City Council have been working in partnership with Professor Stephen Mullen of Glasgow University to develop a programme of CLPL (career long professional learning) for staff to improve knowledge of this aspect of history and as a result, develop resources for all young people from primary and secondary to learn more about this important issue. This training will take place over the course of term 3 and 4 in this academic session and be fully implemented in session 2024 to 2025. Glasgow Museums have also been involved in this partnership.”

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum exhibition –  Glasgow – City of Empire  is open Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Friday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm