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Although manufactured in Vannes, France in 1764 , this compass was the property of a Captain Forrest of Stirling. Although Stirling is well inland in Scotland it was once a thriving port because of the influence of Stirling Castle. It also had a shipbuilding industry and for a short time held the record for the largest ship launched. The compass is a dry paper type mounted on a gimble for use on a ship. Captain Forrest could be James Forrest who is recorded as a slave captain in the late 1780's and may have captained 'The Robust or La Robuste' as a slaver privateer. If he was successful in capturing a ship as a prize he would have received a considerable income which would have allowed him to retire to Alloa and subsequently Stirling and to leave significant sums for his three daughters to live together for the rest of their lives.