Irish played 'major role' in Scotland

The Taoiseach addresses the Scottish Parliament

A leading historian has claimed that the Irish made a far greater contribution to Scottish society than they have been given credit for.

Professor Thomas Devine said new research showed they played a major role in Scotland's industrialisation - and had a significant effect on the shaping of Scottish society.

He said the popular belief that Irish immigrants who came to Scotland to find work in the 18th century were marginalised and lived in ghetto-like areas was "encrusted with myth and distortion".

The professor, based at the University of Aberdeen's research institute of Irish and Scottish Studies, said that over one million Scots had Irish connections.

In June, Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern gave an address to the Scottish Parliament when he stressed the business, cultural, intellectual and political links between the two countries.

The Taoiseach added that there were long-standing links between Scotland and Ireland.

Bertie Ahern and Helen Liddell

Prof Devine, who is a renowned author, said the sectarian tradition in Scotland came about because of the mix of Irish Catholics and Protestants who had emigrated.

"They had a massive influence and provided vital labour supply during industrialisation when they played a large part in rail construction, rural harvests and factory work - factor that until now has been unrecognised," he said.

"Modern Scotland tends to neglect the tremendous influence of such migration to Scotland, not just regarding the Irish, other nationalities such as Italian and Pakistani too."

He said the Irish provided a "great muscular army" during industrialisation when they came to live predominantly in west central Scotland, West Lothian, Dundee, Perth and Stirling.

Prof Devine will present his views to a Royal Society of Edinburgh lecture being held at the University of Dundee next month.