Scottish Society
A short examination of the social structures of historic Scotland.
Early Societies of Scotland
Scotland’s national identity formed through a fusion of distinct cultures, known today as the Picts, Scots, Britons, and Angles. Each of these groups spoke their own languages, told their own origin stories, and organized into their own kingdoms. The Scots, or Gaels, originally hailed from Ireland, while the Angles claimed Germanic heritage. The Picts and Britons were the descendants of Celtic tribes who reached Britain during its Iron Age. All sought to control the land that is now Scotland, but they faced outside pressure from Vikings and the developing English. By the 10th century, the Picts and Gaels had for the most part merged together. They formed the foundation for the future Kingdoms of Alba and Scotland, which would later encompass Brittonic and Anglian subjects as well.
Social Structures of Medieval Scotland
Medieval Scotland generally followed a feudal, kin-based social hierarchy. A king, surrounded by noble mormaers or earls, ruled over a larger population of free farmers, tradesmen, and serfs. The majority of people were bound to a lord, to whom they owed military service and regular labor or tribute.
At the same time, strong family ties connected rural villages in a complex web of local politics. These smaller tribes, or clans, were each headed by a chieftain, who participated in the wider politics of the kingdom. The clan system persisted longer in the northern Highlands, the traditional home of the Gaels and Picts. As these clans vied for land and power, feuds erupted that could last for centuries. Cattle raiding was a common source of wealth and prestige, and many young aristocrats trained as mercenary soldiers. The agricultural communities to the south, meanwhile, stayed more in line with the feudal system of England. Early cities were called burghs and managed by officials known as burghers. They were typically owned by the crown or a powerful noble or clergyman.
Scotland and the Reformation
Highland clans and Lowland farmers coexisted in relative peace throughout the Middle Ages. The Protestant Reformation, however, would have lasting consequences for the clan system. Like many people of the the time, clan leaders were divided in their religious and political loyalty. The majority favored Catholicism, encouraged by the Stuart dynasty and strong ties to Ireland. While the rest of Scotland came to embrace the Calvinist branch of Protestantism, the more isolated areas resisted. When James VII or II was deposed as King of England, Ireland, and Scotland, many Highland clans refused to acknowledge the Protestant William of Orange. This led to the Jacobite risings, a series of rebellions and assassination attempts between 1686 and 1745.
Further Reading:
Scottish Society in the Modern Era
The clans’ role in the Jacobite risings prompted swift retaliation from the monarchy. In addition to violent purges, Highlander tartans were banned alongside bagpipes. At the same time, the Highland Clearances saw their traditional lands passed on to more loyal outsiders. The new landlords evicted thousands of families in the early 18th century. As the population of the Highlands dwindled, its remaining populations were pushed onto marginal, peat-covered land. They became crofters, or small-scale farmers reliant on fishing and labor to survive.
The clan system all but vanished during this period, but it has survived as a form of national pride. Clan tartans and coats of arms grew popular in the 19th century, both at home and among Scottish emigrants abroad. Meanwhile, modernizing cities expanded along capitalist ideologies. Scotland became a model for industry, education, and the arts in Europe. Rich coal and iron deposits made the region an important source of fuel for the growing British Empire. Rural populations flocked to centers like Glasgow and Edinburgh. There they met mixed success. Some rose to the middle class or higher; others languished in poverty or emigrated in search of further opportunities.
Today, Scotland remains a member state of the United Kingdom. Its society is now a diverse mix of both Scottish heritage and the cultures of its many immigrants. Highland clans have grown more active and organized once again, though with less cattle raiding. English is the majority language, but Scots and Gaelic are both officially recognized. The nation is somewhat autonomous within the United Kingdom, including the election of its own parliament. Its highest elected official is its First Minister.
Learn More About Scottish Culture
Cultural Overview | Geography | History | Daily Life | Society | Economy | Beliefs | Arts & Music
References
Foyster, Elizabeth ed. History of Everyday Life in Scotland, 1600 to 1800. Edinburgh University Press. 2010.
Hill, Roland. Scotland: Land of Lochs and Glens. I.B. Tauris. 2002.
Lang, Andrew. A Short History of Scotland. Dodd, Mead, and Co. 1912.
Sanderson, William. Scottish Life and Character. MacMillan Co. 1904.
“The World Factbook: United Kingdom.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 4 June 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/uk.html.
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