Pull factors – Emigration

Scottish Emigration — Pull Factors

Introduction

Pull factors lured many Scots to emigrate, driven by prospects of a better life abroad. Factors included employment, higher wages, land opportunities, family, religion, and better housing.

Job Opportunities

• Employment Guarantee: Travel companies advertised work on arrival in places like Canada.
• Skill Utilization: Scots applied their skills in factory work and trades in new lands. Examples include sheep farming in Australia and mining in Canada and the USA.
• Professional Recruitment: Not just manual workers, but professionals like doctors and teachers were also recruited by British and Colonial governments.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

• Business Opportunities: Scots emigrated to set up their own businesses, such as trading goods or farming.
• Famous Businesses: Examples include Andrew Buick's car company and a Scottish-origin chocolate company in Australia.

Wages and Economic Factors

• Higher Wages: Colonies offered higher wages compared to Scotland.
• Examples: Granite workers in the USA could earn three times as much as in Scotland. Gold rushes in Australia also attracted Scots.

Land Opportunities

• Free or Cheap Land: Colonies like Canada and Australia offered land at low costs to experienced farmers.
• Success Stories: Scots prospered in farming due to similar climate conditions in certain colonies.

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Pull factors – Emigration

Better Housing

• Quality of Life: Housing conditions abroad were often better compared to Scotland's overcrowded and poor-quality buildings.
• Built Homes: Some had homes built for them, like Dr. John Hutchison in Canada.

Family and Social Network

• Letters from Abroad: Family and friends abroad sent letters, encouraging more Scots to emigrate.
• Cultural Continuity: Scots continued their culture abroad through Highland Games, Caledonian Societies, and Presbyterian churches.

Religious Factors

• Missionary Work: Some emigrated to spread Christianity. Examples include David Livingstone and Mary Slessor.
• Faith Preservation: Scottish churches were established globally to continue religious practices.

Advancements in Travel

• Steam Ship Era: Development of steamships reduced travel time and increased safety.
• Help to Travel: Colonial governments hired recruiting agents to help Scots emigrate.

Government Support

• Empire Settlement Act of 1922: Provided loans and land, particularly targeting agricultural workers.

Conclusion

Scottish emigration between 1830-1939 was driven by multiple pull factors, making it a complex but enriching phenomenon to study. This migration contributed significantly to global development, spreading Scottish influence and culture worldwide.