Eric Melvin

Eric Melvin is an established and respected local historian who has explored, researched and documented his home city of Edinburgh. After a long and varied career in education, he now enjoys retirement in Scotland’s capital by sharing his love and knowledge of history with the wider public.

In his talk, ‘Edinburgh and the Act of Union’, Eric will examine the tumultuous and still controversial events leading up to the Act of Union.

From October 1706 until January 1707, the terms of the proposed Union with England were fiercely debated in Edinburgh's Parliament Hall with some sessions lasting far into the night. Was Scotland on its knees with a begging bowl? Was Scotland bullied into submission by its more powerful English neighbour? Or were Scots desperate to take advantage of the wealthy trade and career opportunities of the expanding English colonies? Drawing from contemporary sources, Eric intends to give us some informed answers to these key questions.

The meeting will be held on Zoom, starting at 7pm for 7.30pm, on Tuesday 23rd March to which visitors are most welcome. Museum members will automatically receive a link to join the meeting.