Scotland’s disastrous empire bid became the crucial turning point in the nation’s political future
BOUND for the Panama Isthmus a flotilla sailed from Leith 320 years ago, carrying not just the hopes but the fortunes of the nation. For in April 1698 five ships – Saint Andrew, Caledonia,
Unicorn, Dolphin and Endeavour – embarked on the Darien Scheme. All but one would be lost and thousands of lives would perish, both voyaging there and in the pestilent land they found on arrival.
Far from delivering the dreams of wealth and prosperity for citizens and country alike, it proved to be beyond their worst fears. As well as being the graveyard for many a Scot, it brought the country to the point of bankruptcy and was to be the harbinger for the Treaty of Union, spelling the end of Scottish independence.
Instead of a tropical paradise, the Scots found a harsh and unforgiving land. Many had died simply getting there and many more would be buried on landing. The jungle terrain had to be cut down as both a New Edinburgh and Fort St Andrew were established, but sickness from the malaria-infested land and other hardships took a toll.
The fledgling colony was abandoned the following year but not before a second expedition had departed – this time from Glasgow – to resupply the venture, oblivious to their fate. It would have no more success than their compatriots had in the months before. The inadequacy of preparation and limited resources saw supplies run short, and those able to work were struck down by sickness.
Denne historien er fra February 2018-utgaven av The Scots Magazine.
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Denne historien er fra February 2018-utgaven av The Scots Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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The Bliss Of A Bothy
After a strenuous walk, a mountain shelter can offer all you need
The Long Way Round
When you can only just see the stepping stones under a river in spate, it's time to re-think the route, as two Highland adventurers found out
The New Oyster Cult
A community is helping to restore the once rich biodiversity of Loch Craignish, one species at a time
A Poet's Sanctuary
Hidden on a hilltop, writer Dominic Cooper is inspired by the wild, stormy winters of the Ardnamurchan peninsula
A Rural Housing Crisis
Across Scotland, locals are being priced out and crowded out - but communities are now working hard to address the issue
A Historic Centre
Glasgow's Mercat Cross may not be as old as it appears but it's still seen many changes, along with an ebb and flow in prosperity
A Bird With A Brain
Jim's encounters with the raven in several northern countries have only increased his respect for its intellect and ingenuity
The Warrior King
On the 750th anniversary of his birth, Robert The Bruce's legacy as cultural keystone and historical enigma continues to fascinate
All Going Swimmingly
From Tutti Frutti to Shetland, Monarch Of The Glen to Granite Harbour, Dawn Steele's heart will always be in Scotland - and the sea
Following The Coos
The latest charity art trail aims to a-moos-e and delight visitors to Perth and Kinross this summer