Enrollment options
This course covers researching people who emigrated from Scotland or moved to Scotland. We explore the general overview of historical legal and migration restrictions related to Scotland, followed by a discussion of the key emigrant and immigrant groups.
The main phases of migration from Scotland are discussed in detail. The Highland and Lowland Clearances of the late 18th and early 19th centuries are first discussed to debunk common myths. We also look at people who were moved forcibly from Scotland, either as convicts, assisted migrants, or indentured servants. Next, we consider the factors of the mid-1800s that caused mass migration, focusing on why Scots left and where they immigrated.
Understanding immigration to Scotland, particularly the west, is crucial for researchers tracing their ancestry. The experiences of Irish, Italian, and Jewish immigrants—three major groups arriving in the 19th and early 20th centuries—are highlighted in these case studies.
Note: This course is written from a Scottish perspective. The term “emigration” is used throughout the material. Emigration refers to those leaving Scotland to go elsewhere. Conversely, “immigration” refers to those arriving in Scotland from another country or region.
Course Length: 7 weeks
Historical: This course originated in August 2025. Current version copyright is August 2025.
Course Notes
MODULE 1
RESEARCHING EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION
Module Notes
“British” Defined
Movement to Scotland from Other Parts of Britain
Historic Migrations
Cross-Border Migration England/Scotland
Cross-Border Migration Ireland/Scotland
Immigration and Emigration - The Legalities
British Immigration Law
Module Activity
Passports
Module Activity
Naturalisation and Nationality
Jus Soli or Jus Sanguinis?
Women and Nationality
Accessing Naturalisation Records
Naturalisation Example
Dual Nationality
Name Changes
Recommended Reading and Resources
Module 1 Course Assignments
MODULE 2
EMIGRATION FROM SCOTLAND - PRE 1850
Module Notes
Early Emigration and Research Difficulties
Motives for Emigration
Transportation of Criminals
Indentured Servants
Early Scottish Settlers in North America
The Jacobite Rebellions and Highland Clearances
A Whistlestop Tour Through 17th and 18th Scottish History
Myths about Jacobites and the Aftermath of the Rebellions
Module Activity
Highland Clearances
Module Activities
Tracing Those Who Moved During the Highland Clearances
Lowland Clearances
Scottish Agricultural Revolution
Recommended Reading and Resources
Module 2 Course Assignments
MODULE 3
EMIGRATION FROM SCOTLAND - POST 1850
Module Notes
The Age of Steam
Module Activity
“Pull” Factors for Emigration from Scotland
Literacy Rates
Good Old-Fashioned Stereotypes and Familiarity
Land and Housing Availability
Higher Wages
Gold Rushes
Passenger Lists and Other Records
Overseas Ports of Arrival
North America
Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa
Naturalisation
Naturalisation - Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
Crew Lists and Similar Records
Glasgow Local Shipping and Shipbuilding Records
Canada’s Home Children
North American Domestic Servants
Recommended Reading and Resources
Module 3 Course Assignments
MODULE 4
IRISH IMMIGRATION INTO SCOTLAND
Module Notes
The Ulster Plantation
Seasonal Migration and Weaving
Researching Irish Emigrants in Ireland
Name Variants
Common Names and Other Finding Issues
Locating Irish Immigrants to Scotland on the Census
The Great Famine
Poor Law Records and Irish Immigration
Post Famine Emigration to and from Scotland
Recommended Reading and Resources
Module 4 Course Assignments
MODULE 5
ITALIAN IMMIGRATION INTO SCOTLAND
Module Notes
History of Italian Immigration into Scotland
Module Activity
Italian Immigration and Roman Catholic Records
Italian Scots in World War I
Italian Scots in World War II
Module Activity
Where were people sent?
Isle of Man
Module Activity
Orkney Islands
WWII Internment Records
Recommended Reading and Resources
Module 5 Course Assignments
MODULE 6
JEWISH IMMIGRATION INTO SCOTLAND
Module Notes
History of Jewish Immigration
Jewish Immigration in the late 19th Century
Module Activity
Module Activity
Push Factors of Jewish Immigration
Growth of Scottish Jewish Population
Living Conditions
Places of Worship
Finding Jewish Immigrants in Records and the Difficulties
Name Variations
Transience
Passenger Lists
Case Study - Philip Sukert
Jewish Families Who Did Not Move On
Recommended Reading and Resources
Module 6 Course Assignments