Epistolary Exploits and Audible Adventures: Using Personal Testimony to Plot Patterns and Policies in Scottish-Australian Migration

This article explores generic and specific aspects of Scottish emigration to Australia in the century and a half since 1830, beginning with the onset of free emigration and ending shortly after the termination of the £10 assisted passage programme. The overarching theme of continuity and change is harnessed to a number of sub-themes, including reasons for leaving and the process of adjustment to life in the Antipodes or back in Scotland. The motives, attitudes and experiences of individuals who settled or sojourned in Australia are scrutinized through the lens of personal testimony, both written and oral. In addressing broad issues of migration philosophy, process and practice over a long time-frame and in multiple locations the study deploys Eric Richards’ methodology of evaluating the global through the local. While coverage relates to Scotland as a whole, tribute is paid to Eric’s other influential area of scholarship by incorporating the experiences of a number of Highland emigrants into the analysis.