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In Lowland Scotland, the countryside was under pressure; there were more people and fewer farms to buy. Farms had grown larger and become more industrialised, making them more expensive. In addition, mechanisation meant that fewer labourers were needed.

Look in more detail at case studies of farmers and agricultural workers from the time, possibly linked to the school’s locality. Why would farm workers choose to emigrate rather than move to the cities? Consider skills, living conditions, way of life and wages as factors. The clip links to discussion of industrial change and geography topics on changing agricultural practices.