Insurgent Seeds: A brief history of seeds and Scotland

What is a Scottish seed? How has land work and seed keeping changed over the past 300 years, and what is Scotland’s place in this global history?

Join an illustrated talk with researcher Cat Scothorne to explore the complex and entangled histories of seed keeping in and beyond Scotland.

Paying close attention to the transformations of the eighteenth century, the talk will focus on three key aspects of this history:

• Tenant seeds: how Scottish Agricultural Improvement brought about the end of traditional, communal growing and seed cultures;

• Colonial seeds: the role of Scotland in bioprospecting indigenous seeds and establishing settler growing practices in the colonies;

• Insurgent seeds: how peoples in the Caribbean resisted subjugation in the Scottish-owned plantations through seed saving and growing practices.
  

Free, ticketed event, all welcome!

About the contributors

Cat Scothorne (she/they) has recently graduated from the University of Glasgow with a Masters in Global History, following an undergraduate degree in History. After attending Glasgow Seed Library events, Cat was inspired to write their dissertation on Scottish seed history, particularly focusing on the role of seeds in the Highland Clearances, Scotland’s agricultural modernisation, and Scottish colonialism. She is passionate about climate justice and enjoys reading, binging reality TV and wild swimming.

Accessibility

The Community Space is wheelchair accessible and located on the first floor. Please email glasgowseedlibrary@cca-glasgow.com with any questions or access requests.