FACTSHEET: ITALIAN IMMIGRANTS IN SCOTLAND
Fact sheet: Italian immigrants in Scotland
The Italians began to arrive on Scottish shores from the late 19 th century
onwards. For some, it was seen as a stopping point en route to the Americas;
for others they were recruited. Initially they came from nor thern areas such as
Tuscany, but emigration spread to the south (Naples region) by the 1900s.
Scotland saw an increase in Italian immigrants when America changed its
immigration policy and closed the door of opportunity for many of the
poorest Europeans.
Why did they leave their homeland?
The main reasons Italians sought a new life was as a direct result of economic
conditions. Poverty was rife and living conditions were harsh , with famine
and sometimes droughts. Furthermore, Italy had an agricultural -based
economy that was experiencing severe hardships and industrialisation was
slower than in other European nations. Many men saw an opportunity to go
elsewhere to earn a living and therefore left in order to support their relatives
back home.
Making a living
Initially, Italian immigrants made a living by becoming peddlers selling
religious craft items door to door. They made these items using the skills they
gained in their homelands (such as plaster work).
After this slow start, in which the Italian immigrants failed to make any real
economic progression, the Italians seized the opportunit y to move into the
catering world. Initially working as ‘hokey pokey’ men, selling ice cream
from barrows, these men had been recruited in London and sent to Scotland
from 1880 onwards. They quickly moved into working -class areas, combining
ice cream making with selling fish and chips. Restaurants and takeaways were
established and sold food made using ingredients widely available in Scotland
– fish and potatoes.
From humble beginnings in the late 1870s, by the 1920s these barrows had
transformed into luxury establishments in the city centres via working class
areas.
By the early 1900s Italian immigrants were becoming affluent and their
businesses were established. This led to family members joining their
relatives in Scotland to help in the thriving businesses.
There are many famous Italian businesses in Scottish society. Nardini’s in
Largs boasted a beautiful Art Deco tearoom that became an attraction for
MIGRATION AND EMPIRE (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009
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FACTSHEET: ITALIAN IMMIGRANTS IN SCOTLAND
many Scots. Valvona & Crolla is a famous delicatessen based in Edinburgh.
These examples are just some of the businesses which formed a key part of
the Scottish economy in terms of catering.
In addition to catering, Italians found themselves in hairdressing. Thro ugh
their role as barbers and hairdressers they established the College of Italian
Hairdressers in Glasgow in 1928.
Settlement patterns
Italians initially established themselves in areas of Glasgow ( for example
Partick and Garnethill in the West End of Glasgow). It is estimated that by
1905 there were 5000 Italian immigrants in Glasgow.
Year
Number of Italian cafes/takeaways
in Glasgow
1903
89
1904
184
1905
337
Additionally, Italian communities were found in the Grassmarket in
Edinburgh. There are many examples of Italian cafes in the Highlands and
Islands (Millport) as well as the west coast. It is fair to say that by 1939 most
regions of Scotland had seen the beginnings of Italian café culture.
Assimilation?
It is fair to say that Italian cafés were at the heart of Scottish culture, but the
question remains as to whether Italians were fully accepted in Scottish
society.
Initially, there was a religious division as Italians arrived on Scottish shores
with a devout belief in Roman Catholicism. Th is was not accepted by the
Presbyterian elements of Scottish society. This division was to become
deeper as many of the Presbyterian leaders were unhappy that the cafés
opened on the Sabbath as well as the fact that opening times extended beyond
those of the public houses. The cafés were often the scene of unruly
behaviour. This led to cries that the Italian cafés were morally corrupt
Articles appeared in newspapers reporting the ‘ice cream hell’ (Glasgow
Herald).
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MIGRATION AND EMPIRE (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009
FACTSHEET: ITALIAN IMMIGRANTS IN SCOTLAND
There was a greater degree of acceptance from the Temperance Movement as
the cafés chose not to sell alcohol. There were examples of xenophobia at the
time as attacks began to increase on Italian cafés.
In addition to the religious division, assimilation was hampered by the very
nature of the business. The owners and employees often worked 14 -hour
days, seven days a week. Family was at the heart of the business so the
employees were usually family members. In addition, the children of the
immigrants were expected to marry into other Italian fami lies. This led to the
community being perceived as being insular.
Activities
1.
Why did Italian immigrants arrive on Scottish shores?
2.
Describe the work done by Italian immigrants in Scotland.
3.
Discussion. In your groups discuss the impact o f Italians on Scottish
economy and culture.
After your discussion write a paragraph about this impact.
4.
To what extent did Italians assimilate into Scottish society?
Debate this topic with your class.
MIGRATION AND EMPIRE (H, HISTORY)
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