ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the four main forms of Trade Unionism in Scotland: Textiles, Building, Coalmining, and Heavy Industries. Scotland shared in the efflorescence of Trade Unionism in the early 'thirties which followed the repeal of the Combination Laws and the propaganda of Owenism. In the linen and jute industry of the East, much of the labour was latterly also female. In earlier times, the domestic workers had been noted for their political independence; the term "heckler" is said thus to have been derived from a technical process in the industry. The numerical expansion and technical conservatism of the building trades have been noted, especially by Professor Clapham, as an important feature of the Industrial Revolution. Owing to the prevalence of stone building in Scotland the masons were a more numerous and important body, and claim considerable notice in Postgate's Builders' History.
