Playa Muerto, in the Darien National Park
Few heroes have emerged in the history of Scotland’s calamitous 17th century attempt to establish a trading entrepot on the fisthmus of Panama. The ‘Darien scheme’ or ‘Darien disaster’ has instead become identified with its tragic loss of life, devastating blow to the country’s economy and debated role in 1707’s union with England. On closer examination of manuscripts in Spanish and British archives, however, there is a man whose character and exploits deservedly elevate him to hero status. That man is Captain Robert Pincarton.
In November 1696, representatives of the newly formed Company of Scotland Trading to Africa and the Indies transmitted positive news from London. Their mission to seek out and employ worthy men for forthcoming expeditions to secure Scotland a place in burgeoning global trade had borne fruit. Notable among those committing their services was 41-year-old Prestonpans native Robert Pincarton, described as ‘a plain kind of man but has repute to be honest and brave’ and possessing not only highly praised skills as a mariner but also an understanding of trade in Africa and the Americas vital to the goals of the enterprise.
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