2. In today’s class I am learning to:
• Describe ways that Scotland’s economy
changed as a result of immigration into
the country
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
3. Given the large number of immigrants that came to
Scotland during the 1800s and early 1900s, it is no
surprise that they had a major economic impact.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
4. Immigrants to Scotland
worked in a variety of
different jobs.
The Irish often worked in
farms, based on their
experience in Ireland.
Irish immigrants also went
to the textile factories of
Dundee, Glasgow and
Edinburgh.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
5. Other Irish workers
travelled around the
country as navvies
building much of
Scotland’s infrastructure.
This includes railways,
roads and canals across
the country, and also
helped tunnel the
Glasgow Subway.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
6. Lithuanians found
employment in steel mills
and mines, especially in
Ayrshire and Lanarkshire.
Some Italians and Jews
also worked in locations
such as factories, but they
were often more
associated with starting
their own businesses.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
7. Many Scots greatly
resented immigration as
they believed it led to
poorer working conditions
for them.
Immigrants were often
viewed as taking jobs, and
the Irish were sometimes
hired as strike breakers,
angering Scottish workers.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
8. Scottish workers also
believed that immigration
led to lower wages,
especially in low skill jobs.
The influx of foreign
workers prepared to work
for low wages forced
Scottish workers to do the
same, or face losing their
job to an immigrant.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
9. However many Scottish
employers argued that
they needed immigrants,
or they would not have
enough workers.
Some companies actively
recruited from Lithuanian
or Ireland, offering jobs
and accommodation to
travelling workers.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
10. In addition, many
immigrants also had a
positive impact on
working conditions.
Some Irish and Lithuanian
immigrants became
involved with trade
unions, campaigning to
improve the conditions of
all workers in Scotland.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
11. The Irish in particular had
a significant trade union
role, including setting up
their own unions, such as
the Glasgow Cotton
Spinners Association.
Other Irish migrants were
active in the Labour Party,
campaigning for fairer
working conditions.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
12. Other immigrants did not
work for other people and
instead set up their own
businesses.
Some of the first Italian
immigrants travelled to
churches and went door-
to-door selling religious
materials such as Holy
statues.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
13. Other Italians sold ice
cream and chips from
carts but then opened
their own cafes and shops.
Many of these still exist,
such as Nardini’s in Largs.
Some Italians became
hairdressers and barbers,
and even set up a training
college in Glasgow.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
14. Jewish immigrants also
established their own
companies, selling
products such as tobacco
and clothing.
Irish immigrants also set
up companies, including
Thomas Lipton in Glasgow
who started shop and
then a famous tea firm.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
15. As a result of these
companies being
established, there were
more jobs in Scotland,
sometimes employing
Scottish workers (although
often other immigrants).
The new businesses were
generally very popular
with Scots.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
16. The new businesses
allowed Scots more choice
when spending money.
This included going to
cafes instead of going to
the pub (supported by
many religious Scots).
Jewish tailoring companies
also let people by cheaper
clothes, such as suits.
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
