Land and Votes
The advent of the 19th century ushers in a new age of radicalism and unrest.
Land and Votes—A History of Scotland, Series 2, This Land Is Our Land
Highland Clearances saw the end of a way of life and emigration to Britain's colonies.
The French Revolution—In Search of Scotland, The Victorian Achievement
The French Revolution inspires a wave of radicalism across Europe as disenfranchised classes of society organise to challenge the ruling authorities. Video: In Search of Scotland: The Victorian Achievement.
The Sutherland Sheep Drive—A History of Scotland, Series 2, This Land Is Our Land
The arrival of sheep in the Highlands provided landlords with huge profits from their estates but threatened the end of a traditional way of life for the tenants. In Sutherland the introduction of sheep provoked a strong reaction. Video: A history of Scotland: This Land is Our Land.
Scott publishes ‘Waverley’—A History of Scotland, Series 2, This Land Is Our Land
Sir Walter Scott publishes the novel Waverley. It is a roaring success and creates an interest across Britain for all things Scottish. In the process Scott helps reinvent Scottish identity. Video: A history of Scotland: This Land is Our Land.
The Battle of Waterloo—A History of Scotland, Series 2, This Land Is Our Land
The battle ends the Napoleonic wars but leaves Britain’s economy serious affected. Mass unemployment and rising food costs lead to a new wave of radicalism. Video: A history of Scotland: This Land is Our Land.
George IV comes to Edinburgh—A History of Scotland, Series 2, This Land Is Our Land
Sir Walter Scott organises a Highland festival to celebrate the visit of George IV and re-invents Scottish traditions. It creates a wave of popularity for all things Scottish - including a passion for tartan. Video: A history of Scotland: This Land is Our Land.
Electoral Reform Act—A History of Scotland, Series 2, This Land Is Our Land
The vote franchise is extended to allow more men the vote. It also recognises the importance of large industrial cities such as Manchester and Glasgow. Video: A history of Scotland: This Land is Our Land.
Knight versus Wedderburn—Scotland's Empire, West Indies
Scottish reformers are among the first to campaign for an end to slavery within the British Empire. Video: Scotland’s Empire: The West Indies.
Queen Victoria takes the throne—A History of Scotland, Series 2, This Land Is Our Land
Queen Victoria takes the throne and her enduring passion for Scotland creates a new Scottish industry – tourism. The “unspoilt” wilderness that greets Victorian travellers is evidence of the effects of the Highland Clearances. Video: A history of Scotland: This Land is Our Land.
Potato blight devastates Scottish crops—A History of Scotland, Series 2, This Land Is Our Land
Having already destroyed most of Ireland’s crop, the blight appears in Scotland. Before long it provokes a famine. Video: A history of Scotland: This Land is Our Land.
The Skye and Rassay Clearances—A History of Scotland, Series 2, This Land Is Our Land
Highland land owners, such as the ones on Skye, clear their lands of tenants forcing tens of thousands of people out of their homes. Many emigrated to the colonies never to return. Video: A history of Scotland: This Land is Our Land.
The Battle of the Braes—So, Here I Am: 100 Years of Crofting
A mass protest by Skye crofters over land rights becomes a national scandal as police and troops are dispatched to keep the peace amid fierce rioting. Video: So Here I Am: 100 Years of Crofting, 1982.
The Crofters Land Act Passed—A History of Scotland, Series 2, This Land Is Our Land
The Crofters Land Act is passed granting crofters secure tenancy, fair rents and the right to pass on tenancy to descendants. Video: A history of Scotland: This Land is Our Land.
