Peter Fairbairn: Highland Factor and Caribbean Plantation Manager, 1792–1822

Abstract

This chapter is a case study in the transnational transfer of land agent skills. Peter Fairbairn was first chief factor on the Seaforth estate in Ross-shire, in which position his ability, energy and honesty were much admired by his employer. From 1801 he was attorney of the Seaforth cotton plantations in Berbice, the results of which were so disappointing that by 1811 Lord Seaforth for a time considered dismissing him. The chapter compares his performance in Ross-shire and Berbice, examine how far his skills as a land agent were transferable between the two locations and consider how far the problems in Berbice were due to issues beyond his control.