Scottish Daily Life
A short look at the traditional lifestyles, foods, clothing, and housing of Scotland.
Traditional Lifestyles of Scotland
The first people of Scotland were a culture of hunters, gatherers, and fishermen. By about 4,000 BCE, they began adopting farming as a lifestyle. Noblemen continued to hunt deer and boar in the forests, though red meat was uncommon among the peasantry. Instead, they caught fish like salmon and eels and raised livestock primarily for dairy products. Oats and barley were their staple crops, frequently baked into breads and porridge. In addition, farmers grew hardy vegetables like turnips and cabbage. They foraged for seaweed, wild herbs, shellfish, and berries to supplement their diets.
The housing of early Scottish people varied by time and place. Some ancient families built their homes on artificial islands, or crannogs, along the shores of lakes. Others built stone houses and towers called brochs, and still more lived in wicker roundhouses with thatched roofs. By the Middle Ages, most homes consisted of stone or timber. Wealthy nobles constructed more secure castles and fortresses, first in the Norman style and then following the trends of Europe. Stone buildings were especially common on remote islands with few trees.
The people of medieval Scotland lived and worked together in small farming communities, often radiating from monasteries, noble estates, and later burghs. After the decline of serfdom, tensions between landowners and their tenants pushed many farmers off their lands. In the Highlands, this resulted in the crofting system, where villages managed shared farmlands alongside other industries. As the imported potato became a popular staple food, these crofts grew vulnerable to blight and famine.
Historically, Scottish clothing depended on the cultural influence of a region. While most urban members of society wore the latest styles of Europe, the rural Highlander clans developed their own apparel. Remote Scottish clans wore clothing similar to the long tunic and mantle seen in medieval Ireland. A typical male outfit from the 16th century consisted of a kilt or skirt over stockings, worn with a long-sleeved shirt and mantle. Women often wore similarly patterned earasaid dresses and skirts. A tartan could identify where its wearer came from, based on the dyes and patterns used. Over time, it has become an enduring symbol of Scotland, with old families adopting specific official patterns.
Further Reading:
Modern Scottish Lifestyles
Modern Scotland is home to a diverse range of lifestyles reflecting both its rural and industrial past. While many residents continue to lead lives tied to their crops and livestock, the majority pursue careers in large cities. Traditional foods, dress, and music are still common expressions of national pride. Sports like golf and soccer are very popular, along with annual Highland games held locally.
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.
Oliver, Neil. A History of Scotland. Orion Publishing Group. 2009.
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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