A Buddie has created a documentary detailing the life of the first African-American man to live 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, along with in conjunction with Erskine Arts.
Peter ran away from home and became a cabin boy on a privateer travelling to the West Indies.
He then stayed in New York as a page boy to several military men before meeting a Glasgow businessman and moving to the city.
David, who is chairperson of Paisley Darkside historical walking tours, said: “The documentary ties in nicely as it is Black History Month and tells the story of Peter Burnett, who was the first African-American to come to Paisley.
“It is actually quite a remarkable story.
“Not a lot of people know about Peter. I mention him as part of our tours. He was the one that recovered Robert Tannahill’s body under the Paisley Canal after he died by suicide in 1810. That was all that was known about him, but he actually printed a bit of history about himself.
“We received funding from the council’s Great Place scheme and that helped fund the project – I was delighted.”
Peter became a successful weaver after serving an apprenticeship with John Boag and ended up marrying John’s daughter after he spent time in a tollbooth for a debt he was falsely accused of owing.
His wife died in childbirth, along with their baby, and Peter, who was well respected in Paisley, passed away in 1847 and is buried in Castlehead Church’s graveyard.
The documentary has been well received so far and David is pleased with how it has all turned out.
He added: “The production went really well – it took an entire day to shoot at all the locations.
“We also used the graveyard up in Castlehead Church where Robert Tannahill is buried.
“Peter himself is buried quite close to that area.
“He is buried with the Tannahill family – he was friends with the family since he arrived in the town.”
The documentary can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/748731910/569499b2ca
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