NHS Lothian have committed to a number of promises after acknowledging their links with the Atlantic slave trade.
The health board as well as the Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation spoke out on Monday (August 31) to confirm they are descendants of funds from the trade through donations and endowments.
In a statement, the health board urged that they felt "a responsibility to address this legacy of colonialism, racism and slavery" as well as listing a commitment to learn from it.
Due to colonialism and slavery being a central contributor to the economy from the 17th to 19th century, NHS Lothian explained that a number of donations they received during that time will have come from it.
They said: "We are aware that hospitals across Lothian have benefited from funds realised from the Atlantic slave trade.
"Both Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation and NHS Lothian can be considered as joint descendants of the legacies of these donations and endowments.
"We do not believe that there is a limitation period on such contributions and have a responsibility to address this legacy of colonialism, racism and slavery and use this learning to help remove inequality and shape a positive future for all.
"The impact of the roots of the slave trade is evident in the inequalities that we see today, with COVID-19 exacerbating and giving a public spotlight to these inequalities.
"As an employer and healthcare provider we state without reservation that all staff and patients must be treated equally, irrespective of skin colour, culture, religion, sexuality, age, disability or gender. We support the fundamental need for equality and inclusion at the heart of what we stand for."
The health board also listed a number of other commitments they will uphold, such as creating an advisory group and researching the links between the old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the Atlantic slave trade.
