Famine in Scotland - the 'Ill Years' of the 1690s
Examines the climatic and economic origins of the last national famine to occur in Scotland
- Considers the nature and extent of the crisis which ensued
- Explores the impact of the famine on population demographics
- Examines the economic and social impact
The 'Ill Years', during the nadir of the Little Ice Age, were ones of widespread famine across Europe and economic disaster in Scotland. However, current published knowledge about the causes, extent and impact of the famine in Scotland is limited and many conclusions have been speculative in the absence of extensive research.
This is the first full study of the famine, providing a unique scholarly examination of the causes, course, characteristics and consequences of the crisis. Using detailed examination of agricultural, climatic and demographic issues, the book seeks to establish answers to the fundamental question concerning the event. How serious was it? Using detailed statistical and qualitative analysis, Karen J. Cullen discusses the regional factors that defined the famine, the impact on the population, and the interconnected causes of this traumatic event.
1. Scotland's Seven Ill Years: Contexts and Debates
2. Climate, weather and agriculture: the making of a famine
3. There arose a Dearth - the grain market in crisis
4. Providing for the Destitute
5. Famine: The Demographic Disaster
6. Fleeing the Famine - migration and emigration
Conclusion
Appendix
Bibliography.
Cullen’s work is a long awaited and hugely valuable contribution on Scottish famine. Contemporary debates on climate change and the terrible reality of famine in the world today means Cullen’s work has a contemporary relevance as well as a particular significance for those studying the pre-Union era.
Cullen's book is a useful addition to the literature on early-modern famine, poverty, and indeed on Scottish history more generally.
Cullen's major success is in filling the gaping hole in Scottish historiography relative to the 'Ill Years' of the 1690s. Histories to date have more often than not paid only minimal attention to the famine. This monograph should be seen as a welcome addition for all scholars who wish to better understand this neglected episode in Scottish history.
