Scotlands History\|Scots and Canada

Lowland Scots

  • Old poster with headline 'General information for intending emigrants to Canada, the Australian and South African colonies'

The Clearances affected the Lowlands as well as the Highlands. The rural population of southern Scotland was growing but improvements in farming and agricultural techniques meant fewer workers were needed.

Many Lowland Scots moved to the cities in search of work and lodgings. There was widespread unemployment and homelessness. Many people lived in wretched conditions in overcrowded, poorly lit urban dwellings. Emigration to Canada offered many Lowland Scots the chance to forge a better life.

Other Lowland Scots simply saw Canada as a land full of new opportunities.

Well-educated Lowland Scots could succeed in farming, trade and government. Most Scots were excluded from politics in their native land. Scots in Canada could become politicians, and found churches, banks and universities. Scots became business owners and newspaper publishers. 

Between 1815 and 1870, around 170,000 Scots emigrated to Canada and began a new life. The Canadian Census of 1871 shows that an incredible 157 out of every 1000 Canadians were of Scottish origin.

  • A black and white image showing Scottish settlers Mr and Mrs William Leckie on their farm, Austin area, Manitoba. Image courtesy of Glenbow Museum.