Friday June 12th 2026
Frederick Douglass
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A prize sculpture in tribute to a famous black social reformer who famously visited the Scottish Borders in the 19th century is to be presented to worthy schoolchildren.
Frederick Douglass escaped slavery in Maryland in 1838 and went on to visit Hawick on November 2, 1846.
During his extensive lecture tour of Scotland, Douglass delivered an historic and highly controversial anti-slavery speech in Hawick.
The speech caused a stir when officials at the original venue, the Relief Chapel, made a last-minute decision to deny him permission to speak, forcing the rally to relocate.
His connection to the town continues to be celebrated with a plaque featuring his image and legacy unveiled a few years ago.
Now a working group set up to further celebrate his legacy has announced that the Frederick Douglass Prize trophy will be presented for the first time at Hawick High School’s next prize-giving ceremony in September.
It will be given to young people from any institution who best exemplify the ethos of the Frederick Douglass Working Group.
Created to a design by Gordon Muir, the base wood was salvaged from Buccleuch Mill (Sybil’s Mill) in Hawick with permission of the demolition contractor.
This is only a short distance from where Frederick spoke at Myreslawgreen and dates to around the time of his visit.
The trophy itself is a brass relief of Frederick created from the same mould as the plaque, with a plate that will be engraved by Hawick’s Hamish D. Smith Jewellers.
Winning teams/individuals will be offered a commemorative certificate printed by Richardson & Son and the trophy, when not in use, will be displayed in Hamish D. Smith’s shop window.
Additionally, discussions are afoot to bring Frederick’s 2x great-grandson, Kevin Greene Douglass, to Hawick.
Edinburgh World Heritage Trust is exploring funding options to enable the former soldier and anti-racism orator with the Frederick Douglass Family Initiative to visit Scotland to engage in a speaking tour.
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