Farmers

There can be very few Scots whose ancestors were not engaged in the toil of the land in some form or other. Before the onset of the agricultural revolution, it was common practice for most families to keep a few animals and to grow sufficient food for their own requirements.

Towards the end of the 18th Century, the system of working strips of land (runrig) and of common grazing was superseded by self-contained farms. Many farming improvements, notably drainage and plough developments, were pioneered in Scotland. Increased efficiency inevitably led to fewer jobs on the land, pushing people towards the industrial towns and, occasionally, overseas in search of work.

Those who remained either lived in 'bothies', if they were single, or very basic farm cottages if they were married. If you are aware of the name of the farm where your ancestors worked, try to locate its position and visit the site. It might still be a farm, in which case it shouldn't be too difficult to visualise it in times past.

The Statistical Accounts of Scotland provides a useful description of the state of agriculture in every parish in the late 18th and mid 19th Centuries.

Places to Visit
There are many excellent farming and folk museums that will offer an insight into the life of a tightly-knit farming community. Have a look in the Regions and Counties section where you'll find information on the museums relating to each of Scotland's ancient counties.

One of Scotland's most exciting visitor attractions is the Kittochside Museum of Scottish Rural Life, located in East Kilbride close to Glasgow. This not only features an exhibition area devoted to rural practices, it also operates as a historic working farm, complete with the original Georgian farmhouse.