Migration and Empire

During the 18th and 19th centuries, hundreds of thousands of Lowland Scots left their homes in search of work and a better life. Many moved to rapidly growing Scottish cities.

Over the course of a century, the population of the Scottish Highlands underwent a drastic and permanent drop as hundreds of thousands of Scots emigrated to find a better life.

What were the factors that drove hundreds of thousands of Irish migrants to settle in Scotland during the 19th century?

From the mid 1830s, large numbers of Irish Catholics established a new home in Scotland. Find out more about their experiences and their contributions to Scottish society.

Smaller numbers of Irish Protestants left Ireland to find a new home in Scotland. Find out more about their experiences and contributions to Scottish society.

For many Italian migrants, Scotland promised the opportunity of escaping poverty back home in Italy and having a chance of a new life.

Escaping persecution in the Russian Empire, thousands of Lithuanian migrants established a new life in Scotland during the 19th century.

Many Jewish migrants found refuge in Scotland as they fled persecution in Eastern Europe and the Russian Empire during the 19th century.

Scottish emigrants to the British Empire territory of Canada had a huge influence on the nation. Scots founded towns and established businesses, banks, and universities.

Scottish emigrants left a lasting legacy in New Zealand. They established towns, established churches and colleges, and worked on the sheep farms that were crucial to the economy.

Starting off as a penal colony, Australia would go on to become a successful nation - and Scottish emigrants would play a key part in this transformation.

Scots played a crucial role in India during its years as the most important part of the British Empire. They provided leaders, military officers, engineers, and educators.