Pull Factors of Emigration

People moved because there were prospects of a better life abroad, outside of Scotland, with employment.

For example, due to the spike in financial opportunities during the Gold Rush of the 1850s, 90000 Scots left for Australia alone. Therefore, people emigrated because they could get a more financially secure job outside of Scotland, and so, earn more for themselves which would allow their family or independently they themselves, to settle and live comfortably.

People moved because of better transportation.

In the 1850s, it took 6 weeks to cross the Atlantic Ocean but by 1914, this was reduced to 1 week with the major progression made in half a century. Therefore people emigrated because they could move international business on faster, deal with labour shortages, and trade more efficiently which allowed them to achieve financial successes and create a better life for themselves.

People moved due to the persuasion of Emigration Agents.

For example, the Canadian Pacific Railway Company needed people, especially the Scottish who were highly skilled in agricultural labour, and used many tactics, such as giving away free land, as commanded by the Dominions Land Act of 1872, and appointing Agents to giving lectures on emigration in Scotland to persuade many people to move to Canada. Therefore, people emigrated because they were convinced to to, by the offers they would receive that Emigration Agents told them of, which would give them an easier working life and financial stability, so they would not have to worry about them and their families going under.

People moved because of further information that became more accessible to the public on emigration.

For example, the Emigrants Information Office opened in 1866 which gave advice and information to Migrants on land grants, wages, living costs and travel information, to allow migrants to better navigate life outside Scotland. Therefore, people emigrated because they better understood how to emigrate and the benefits they could claim, and having greater prospects of a better future, moved to have an easier working life and life balance and so, a more relaxed life.

People moved because of help from the British Government.

For example, the 1922 Empire Settlement Act committed the government to pay up to £3 million a year on policies such as loans and grants to help with passage to colonies and training courses for emigrants. Therefore, people emigrated because they were funded for better when moving abroad and so felt it was more financially feasible to start a new life abroad, which increased the number of people emigrating.

People moved because Landowners gave financial incentive to do so.

For example, after 1847 on the Isle of Harris, many of the landowners gave clothing and money to support those leaving for Canada. Therefore, people emigrated because they were given support in their community to do so, and so, felt it was right to accept the gestures received and start a more financially secure life abroad, which made many people emigrate.