Scottish emigration and Scottish society

de Scottish Historical Studies Seminar (1990-1991 University of Strathclyde), T. M. Devine

"The Emigration of the Scottish people is one of the key themes of Scottish history. For centuries the Scots have had a long tradition of emigration to Europe, England, and, in modern times, to North America and Australasia. Few English-speaking societies over the last three centuries have been untouched by the social, religious, economic and cultural impact of Scottish settlement. This book of essays, the proceedings of the 1990-91 Scottish Historical Studies Seminar at the University of Strathclyde, explores some of the many facets of the Scottish diaspora with special reference to the period from the early eighteenth century. Two introductory papers examine the general influences on Scottish mobility and address the puzzling question of why Scotland had one of the highest rates of out-migration of any society in western Europe while at the same time achieving rapid economic growth, structural change, urbanisation and industrialisation. Further essays consider such specific themes as regional variations in emigration trends, the migration of Scottish businessmen to Australia, landlordism and Highland emigration, the dynamics of Border mobility and assisted emigration." "The collection as a whole should appeal to those with an interest in Scottish history, the 'Scot' abroad and the story of the peopling of the New World by an important and influential ethnic group. The contributors are all historians and sociologists at the forefront of Scottish emigration studies."--Jacket.