Italians

Italian agricultural workers found seasonal work and occasionally settled in Scotland from around the 17th century. During the 18th century, a growing admiration of Italian culture led to a demand for Italian artists, musicians, craftsmen and teachers.

However, more significant numbers settled between 1880 and 1914, the majority from Lucca and Abruzzi. They left Italy as a result of increasing population and economic pressures.

Once here, they engaged in a variety of trades, as craftsmen, ice-cream sellers, entertainers, itinerant traders and peddlers. They formed close-knit communities, initially in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

When Italy formed an alliance with Germany during the Second World War, these communities were torn apart as adult males were interned and women and children placed in camps. After the war, the Italians worked hard to rebuild their businesses and communities.