Irish immigrants in Scotland
Between 1830 and 1914 over 300,000 Irish people migrated to Scotland.
| Year | Irish-born living in Scotland | Percentage of population |
| 1841 | 126, 321 | 4.8% |
| 1851 | 207, 367 | 7.2% |
| 1861 | 204, 083 | 6.7% |
| 1881 | 218, 745 | 5.9% |
| 1901 | 205, 064 | 4.6% |
| 1921 | 159, 020 | 3.3% |
| 1931 | 124, 296 | 2.6% |
| Year | 1841 |
|---|---|
| Irish-born living in Scotland | 126, 321 |
| Percentage of population | 4.8% |
| Year | 1851 |
|---|---|
| Irish-born living in Scotland | 207, 367 |
| Percentage of population | 7.2% |
| Year | 1861 |
|---|---|
| Irish-born living in Scotland | 204, 083 |
| Percentage of population | 6.7% |
| Year | 1881 |
|---|---|
| Irish-born living in Scotland | 218, 745 |
| Percentage of population | 5.9% |
| Year | 1901 |
|---|---|
| Irish-born living in Scotland | 205, 064 |
| Percentage of population | 4.6% |
| Year | 1921 |
|---|---|
| Irish-born living in Scotland | 159, 020 |
| Percentage of population | 3.3% |
| Year | 1931 |
|---|---|
| Irish-born living in Scotland | 124, 296 |
| Percentage of population | 2.6% |
Where did they settle?
Most of the Irish people settled in the West of Scotland, particularly in Glasgow. Other popular destinations were Paisley, Dundee and Ayrshire and smaller numbers settled in Edinburgh and Stirling. This was due to the relative lack of employment as these cities were never industrial centres.
The majority of Irish immigrants were economic migrants looking for employment.