A Buddie has created a documentary detailing the lifetime of the primary African-American man to reside in Paisley.
David Roy’s mini documentary tells the life story of Peter Burnett – who was born in 1764 on the Todd Plantation on the North River, Virginia – and was produced, together with at the side of Erskine Arts.
Peter ran away from dwelling and have become a cabin boy on a privateer travelling to the West Indies.
He then stayed in New York as a web page boy to a number of navy males earlier than assembly a Glasgow businessman and transferring to town.
David, who's chairperson of Paisley Darkside historic strolling excursions, mentioned: “The documentary ties in properly as it's Black Historical past Month and tells the story of Peter Burnett, who was the primary African-American to come back to Paisley.
“It's really fairly a outstanding story.
“Not lots of people learn about Peter. I point out him as a part of our excursions. He was the one which recovered Robert Tannahill’s physique underneath the Paisley Canal after he died by suicide in 1810. That was all that was recognized about him, however he really printed a little bit of historical past about himself.
“We acquired funding from the council’s Nice Place scheme and that helped fund the venture – I used to be delighted.”
Peter grew to become a profitable weaver after serving an apprenticeship with John Boag and ended up marrying John’s daughter after he frolicked in a tollbooth for a debt he was falsely accused of owing.
His spouse died in childbirth, together with their child, and Peter, who was nicely revered in Paisley, handed away in 1847 and is buried in Castlehead Church’s graveyard.
The documentary has been nicely acquired to this point and David is happy with the way it has all turned out.
He added: “The manufacturing went rather well – it took a complete day to shoot in any respect the places.
“We additionally used the graveyard up in Castlehead Church the place Robert Tannahill is buried.
“Peter himself is buried fairly near that space.
“He's buried with the Tannahill household – he was pals with the household since he arrived within the city.”
The documentary could be seen at https://vimeo.com/748731910/569499b2ca
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