#Highland and lowland scotland series

The introduction of certain crops like potatoes improved the diet of the Scottish peasantry. Haymaking and crop rotation were introduced. Larger expanses of land were put into production through drainage of marshes. Landlords rented out their land to single-tenant farmers who were able to pay cash rent. The onset of the Scottish Agricultural Revolution brought about significant changes in land management. Improvement continued into the 19 th Century with the introduction of reaping machine, soil drainage system, and other widespread agricultural improvement. A society promoting agricultural improvement was formed in 1723 to spearhead the growth and development of Agriculture. In 1695, three acts of parliament were passed to allow consolidation of run-rings and division of common land. Plowing was formerly done with wooden plows pulled by oxen. Most of the farming was done on the lowland fermount where only a handful of families farmed an area that is suitable for more than three plow team. History of the Scottish Agricultural Revolutionīefore the onset of the agricultural revolution in Scotland, there was little trade between different areas in the country due to the traveling difficulties arising from the Scottish terrain and poor transportation infrastructure and a lack of modern transport technologies.

The term “Scottish Agricultural Revolution” was used in the 20 th Century to refer to the period of dramatic agricultural change which occurred in the 18 th and 19 th Centuries.

Crops were grown in the run-ring systems that were divided between communities around the farm settlement. The traditional systems had existed for hundreds of years with the land being worked by the cottars on subsistence farming. The revolution began with the improvement of the Lowland farmlands and the transformation of Scottish agriculture from traditional agriculture to one of the most modern and productive agriculture in Europe.

#Highland and lowland scotland series

Scottish Agricultural Revolution was a series of improvement in agricultural activities which began in the late 1600s and continued in the 1800s. The need to make agriculture more profitable and a sustaining venture for the local communities necessitated a shift from a traditional system to an improved system. One of the areas where there was a zeal for improvement in Scotland in the 17 th Century was in the field of farming. Overview of the Scottish Agricultural Revolution One such agricultural revolution was the Scottish Agricultural Revolution. The 18 th Century revolution witnessed many agricultural revolutions, especially in Europe. The first agricultural revolution, known as the Neolithic Revolution, took place between 10,000 and 2,000 BC and transformed human society from hunting and gathering to farming. New farming techniques and better breeding techniques led to increased food production leading to a spike in population and overall health. The Scottish Agricultural Revolution And The Lowland And Highlands Clearances In addition to new technology, the introduction of potatoes and the fencing off of pasture both dramatically changed Scottish agriculture.Īn 'Agricultural Revolution' is a period of increased agricultural productivity that is characterized by improved farming technologies and increased outputs, such as that seen during the 18 th and 19 th Centuries in Europe.