A radical history of Scotland
This is the second article in a series on the radical histories of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Last week, I wrote about some of the most important events and movements in radical English working class history, from the Peasant’s Revolt to the Black Lives Matter movements. This week, I am turning the focus to Scotland, England’s neighbour to the North. Scotland has a very long radical tradition, often interlinked with the radical history of England, which has exercised its control over Scotland, Wales and Ireland for centuries.
1. Scottish Wars of Independence, 1296–1328
The Scottish Wars of Independence were a series of conflicts between Scotland and England, where Scotland fought for sovereignty and to resist England’s attempts to exert control.
William Wallace and Robert the Bruce led Scotland to victory during these wars, and the national was able to maintain autonomy from the English. Robert the Bruce went on to establish the Stuart Dynasty, ascending to the throne in 1306. He ruled until his death in 1329, and Scotland was recognised as an independent nation by England 1328 with the Treat of Edinburgh-Northampton.
2. Union of Scotland and England, 1707
The Union of Scotland and England in 1707 created the United Kingdom of Great Britain. The union, which was pushed through by the ruling classes in each country, aimed to create a single sovereign state by merging the parliaments of Scotland and England and establishing a unified legislature based in London.
Scottish people had a mixed reaction to the union. The Scottish elites were in favour of joining with the English, who promised to protect their interests and allow them to do business in England. At the time, England was at war with France and was desperate for Scottish support.
Meanwhile, there were months of demonstrations and riots against the union, as ordinary Scottish people feared the loss of sovereignty and the higher taxation that would come with English rule. This opposition was particularly strong among Scottish nationalists and Jacobites, who believed in the Stuart monarchy’s rightful claim to the British throne.
In 1707, despite popular opposition, the Acts of Union were passed through the Scottish and English parliaments.
3. The Radical War, 1820
Also called the Radical Rising, or the Scottish insurrection, this was a working class movement that demanded political change and better living conditions. It was the last armed insurrection in Scotland that demanded the country become a republic.
Fuelled by economic troubles and frustration with the ruling class, radicals were inspired by similar movements in Europe and organised mass protests in major cities. Demands included universal suffrage, fair representation, and better working conditions. They also demanded Scottish independence with the appealing of the 1707 Act of Union. The rising culminated in the “Battle of Bonnymuir,” where the ruling class suppressed the uprising.
Around 80 people were arrested for their involvement in the uprising. Three key leaders of the movement — John Baird, Andrew Hardie, and James Wilson — were captured, tried, and executed by hanging in September 1820.
4. Highland Clearances
The Highland Clearances were a series of forced displacements in 18th and 19th century Scotland, where wealthy landowners evicted tenant farmers from their ancestral lands. Families were uprooted and forced into urban poverty. Their homes and livelihoods were destroyed and many migrated to North America, causing significant cultural and demographic shifts in the Scottish Highlands.
5. Glasgow Rent Strike, 1915
Amidst World War I, rent increases and poor housing conditions led tenants in Glasgow to organise a mass strike, demanding lower rents and better living standards. Led by Mary Barbour and the Women’s Housing Association, the strike saw thousands of tenants refusing to pay the increased rents. Their united efforts, along with widespread public support, forced the government to intervene, implement rent controls, and address housing issues.
6. Red Clydeside 1910s-1920s
Red Clydeside was a radical labour and socialist movement in Glasgow. From the 1910s to the 1920s, workers led by figures like John Maclean and Helen Crawford organised mass strikes and protests for better working conditions, fair wages, and more broad social reforms. Key moments include the 1919 strike for the 40-hour workweek and the Glasgow Rent Strike of 1915.
7. Battle of George Square (1919)
The Battle of George Square was a pivotal event during the Red Clydeside movement. Tens of thousands of workers had gathered in George Square in Glasgow to demand a shorter workweek and improved working conditions. Police began to crack down on protesters as tensions grew, and eventually the government brought in the army to squash the protest. This led to more clashes, and the battle ended in hundreds of arrests and dozens of injured striking workers.
8. Founding of the National Unemployed Workers’ Movement (NUWM), 1932
The movement was established in Glasgow in 1932 and advocated for better conditions and support for the unemployed. At the time the country was incredibly poor, following the economic crisis. This movement worked to stand up for the poorest sections of the working class.
9. The Upper Clyde Shipbuilders work-in 1971
The Upper Clyde Shipbuilders work-in took place from 1971 to 1972. Faced with the threat of shipyard closures and job losses due to financial difficulties, workers at the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders (UCS) occupied their workplace, continuing to work on unfinished ships to demonstrate their commitment to preserving jobs and the shipbuilding industry.
The workers’ determination and public support led to a government bailout, securing the shipyards and jobs.
10. Glasgow residents refuse to allow deportation of two men, 2021
In 2021, there was an historic stand-off between immigration police and locals from Pollockshields in Glasgow. Hundreds of people blockaded a police immigration van, stopping the van from taking off with two men during Eid-al-Fitr. One protestor, who had arrive on scene early, crawled under the van and remained there for hours while the local community came out in force.
This was a remarkable display of solidarity, and the two men who had been the target of the police operation in the area were eventually freed.
