Irish

During the 17th and 18th century, agricultural workers from Ireland found seasonal employment at harvest time. It was not until the 19th century however that people began to migrate in larger numbers.

Over eight million men, women and children emigrated from Ireland between 1801 and 1921 as a result of the effects of famine, economic depression, changes in inheritance patterns and a general movement from rural to urban areas. Approximately 8% of these came to Scotland.

The majority of these migrants were Catholic and had been largely confined to unskilled areas of the Irish economy. They filled similar jobs in the rapidly expanding Scottish economy, building the roads and railways, digging ditches and bringing in the harvests. They encountered discrimination in many areas, particularly in employment and housing.

Smaller numbers of skilled Protestant workers also arrived at this time, finding employment in the new shipyards and workshops.

Today the Irish and their descendants are the largest minority ethnic group in Scotland, and have made significant contributions to Scottish life and culture.