EDINBURGH & THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

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What role did Edinburgh, Scotland play during the years associated with the American Revolution (1775 - 1783)? While visiting the city this week, I have been considering that question. 

Along the Royal Mile, the historic street running between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, are impressive statues to Adam Smith (1723 - 1790) and David Hume ( 1711 - 1776).

Adam Smith 

These two residents of Edinburgh, through popular publication, expressed views that supported the independence of the colonies in North America. 

In 1776, The Wealth of Nations, authored by economist Adam Smith, challenged traditional political and economic systems influencing American Revolutionary thought.


David Hume 

David Hume is renowned as one of the greatest philosophers of the English language and remembered for his radical empiricism and skepticism. He was good friends with Smith. 

During the American Revolution, Edinburgh Castle was used as a detention centre where American prisoners and ones from other countries were kept.  I visited an exhibition on display. 

Edinburgh Castle 1781 Exhibit

Captured American Privateers and sailors were kept prisoner in the vaults beneath Edinburgh Castle.  The conditions were overcrowded and harsh. Inmates were housed in deep cavenous vaults with hammocks strung from the walls. Roughly 30 Americans, 600 French, 100 Spaniards, and several Dutch were held there. Since the Americans were viewed as rebels, they were held longer. 

Many of the American prisoners had sailed with Scottish born naval officer John Paul Jones (1747 - 1792), who has been called the Father of the American Navy. In the vaults where they were kept, carved in wood by one American prisoner, was found one of the earliest known renditions of the American flag.

During the American Revolution, Edinburgh Castle was garrisoned by veteran battalions and local militias. Among the soldiers stationed, there were some from Regiments which served in the American Revolution.  They were veteran soldiers since active units were deployed overseas. These included the Scots Guards, 42nd (Highland) Regiment, also known as the Black Watch, and 71st (Fraser's) Regiment. 

United Empire Loyalist Captain John Grant, who settled in Summerville, Hants County, Nova Scotia, served in the 42nd Regiment. 



Further Reference:

Prisons of War exhibit in Edinburgh Castle,  Edinburgh Scotland, accessed June 8, 2026

Edinburgh Castle - the Vaults accessed June 8, 2026

Captain John Grant, United Empire Loyalist , by Brian McConnell,  UE,  published by West Hants Historical Society, accessed June 8, 2026


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