1. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
Migration & Empire,
Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy

2. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
In today’s class I am learning to:
Describe ways that Scotland’s economy changed as a result of immigration into the country

3. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
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.

4. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
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.

5. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
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.

6. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
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.

7. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
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.

8. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
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.

9. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
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.

10. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
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.

11. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
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.

12. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
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.

13. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
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.

14. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
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.

15. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
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.

16. Impact of immigrants in Scotland - economy
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.