ABSTRACT
The autumn of 1695 brought the ftrst of a series of disastrous harvests followed by severe famine (Chapter 7). Emergency grain imports had to be paid for in cash which created a shortage of specie at home. This in tum disrupted systems of credit and created an economic slump which was exacerbated by the collapse of the domestic market for manufactured goods caused by high food prices. Of the 47 Scottish manufactories operating in the early 1690s only 12 seem to have been active by the end of the decade. Scotland was not unique in experiencing food shortages during this period but conditions were worsened by the political situation following the Revolution. Poor relief throughout the Lowlands was disrupted due to the dislocation of the church. The Highland War of 1689-92 had wrecked the cattle trade causing widespread destitution before the famines struck.
