Was emigration a serious problem for Scotland in the 1920s? Between 1921 and 1931 Scotland’s total population fell for the first time after 100 years of increasing In the inter-war period Scotland had the highest rate of emigration of any European country. The Highland population fell by 16,000 alone It was a problem because Scotland was losing its most talented and skilled people – ‘brain drain’ 58% of British emigrants were Scots in 1920s This was emigration from Highland and lowland areas

Emigration not necessarily new phenomenon but was certainly helped by the post war decline of industry Canada had been attracting Scots since the 1890s, with two full time emigration agents working in Scotland – one could even speak Gaelic There were Canadian emigration offices in Glasgow and Inverness by the 1920s

The Empire Settlement Act 1922 This Law provided for the first large-scale government-assisted migration programme. It was intended to boost the rural populations of Canada and other parts of the British Empire. Not just an attempt to populate the empire – the Act allowed the British government to deal with unemployment and a declining economy at home Subsidies were paid to emigrants who agreed to work the land for a certain amount of time. Subsidised emigrants to Australia were known as ‘£5 Poms’ Over 400,000 received state subsidies totalling £6million, assisting their travel to empire dominions

The Empire Settlement Act 1922 contd. Both town & country residents seized the chance for a new life and opportunities abroad The move offered them a chance to own land rather than struggle in Scotland’s declining farming industry In April 1923, 600 residents of the Hebrides left on Canadian Pacific Liners, most of them on subsidised passages Many clever Scots realised a cheap passage to Canada could be their way into the USA

Charities and emigration Salvation Army – provided assisted passages & employment advice for single women, unemployed men and young people Quarrier’s Orphan Homes – arranged the migration of 7000 children to Ontario between 1872 and 1930

Migration Many Scots travelled a shorter distance looking for work – to England They established Scots communities in England Example; Corby, Northampton Many Scots moved here for jobs in the steelworks Became known as ‘Little Scotland’ http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2013-11-26/why-one-corner-of-northamptonshire-is-taking-a-big-interest-in-events-north-of-the-border/

Emigration: Conclusions Widespread emigration was seen as a symbol of Scotland’s decline. It was felt that Scotland’s brightest and best were leaving. It also sparked an anti-Irish reaction in the 1920s as it was felt Scots workers were being forced out by Irish immigrants stealing jobs and housing BUT Huge numbers of Scots did emigrate but 1/3rd of emigrants returned so impact was not as great as seemed at the time. Some recorded as emigrants were in fact workers taking advantage of cheaper fares to work for higher wages in the USA/Canada for a short period or a season before returning home. .