To the Ends of the Earth: Scotland's Global Diaspora

[barryqwalsh]

While the reasons for the exodus were complex, its scale and longevity destroys another myth ie that Scotland prospered under the union. Clearly all Scots didn't see it that way. Much of the profit made from our raw materials and heavy industry was invested elsewhere in the empire, meaning that the domestic economy didn't diversify. Wages in Scotland were lower that elsewhere in the UK and housing and health much worse. Our people were the raw material that never ran out. Literate, skilled, hard working - they were willing to administer the empire, fight for it, and supplement its labour force elsewhere in the UK as well as around the world. It seemed like the best option available. But a domestic market failed to develop because of the articially low wages, and the flight of both capital and labour. It was a vicious cycle.

Go Lassie Go

 

[whitehall]

Here's a tip. Why don't you find an english speaking forum in Europe that cares about the freaking geo/political history of Scotland.

 

[barryqwalsh]

Most of the Scots who left went to your
neck of the woods, North America. Maybe you have some Scots in you?



We’re sailing west, we’re sailing west
To prairie lands sunkissed and blest -
The crofter’s trail to happiness.

Emigrant jingle,
Canadian Pacific Railroad Archives