Irish Diaspora Primary 6/7

The Irish Diaspora Some Irish people left their home country and travelled to other countries across the world. Many people came and settled in Scotland. The term ‘Diaspora’ comes from the Greek word meaning ‘to scatter’.

When did it happen? Large numbers of Irish people started to come to Scotland in Of course, some people did come before then but in smaller numbers. Now 10% of the British population have an grandparent who is Irish.

Why? Irish people felt that they had to leave their country because of poverty and famine in Ireland. In particular, the potato famine of YEAR affected the country very badly. The Irish people relied heavily on the potato crop and when it was no longer available they began to starve. Many people were forced to move abroad.

People of Irish descent now live in countries such as; United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Mexico and other areas of Europe. In Scotland, the main places which attracted Irish people were Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Coatbridge. This is largely because there were jobs available in these places.

Irish traditions When the Irish people came to Scotland, they brought many of their traditions with them. Irish dancing, songs and tales. Foods such as Irish stew became popular!

Jobs Ship-building Building roads and railways Working in cotton mills Factory work Some Irish people helped to build the water works in Milngavie When the Irish came over to Scotland they were very poor and some were willing to work for less money than the Scots. This made them easily employable and some Scots didn’t like this.

Irish pictures

Primary 6/7

What is the Italian Diaspora? The Italian emigration to Scotland began in the late 19 th century and the early 20 th century. The primary reason that the Italians came to Scotland was to escape poverty. Another reason was over-population; Italy's population was once 24million.

The first immigration. The first emigration was in 1861, 7million Italians emigrated across Europe. This was due to over crowding in the country, because of the gigantic population. (24 million). Many of them went to America, New Zealand and Australia.

World War 1 Immigration. Emigration was in full flow for the Italians as 40 million Italians emigrated overseas, until World War I. During World War I it was too dangerous to travel due to bombing raids. The destruction destroyed many of the Italian homes, so in 1920, 614,000 left Italy; many of them went to the U.S.A.

The Final Immigration Before World War 2 in 1927, an Italian study revealed that 20% of the population was living across Europe. WW2 meant that immigration was yet again grounded. After WW2 (six years of destruction) many citizens dreamed of new life in other countries. So yet again a wave of immigration began so Italians could find peace.

And Now … When the Italians came to Scotland the did many jobs. They opened restaurants that sold pizza and pasta. (New dishes to the Scots). Fact- the Italians invented Colpis The ice-cream shop, the name and of Course the delicious ice-cream.