At the turn of the 20th century, the population of Scotland was around 4.5 million. It was the time of unprecedented social and political revolution. The Conservatives and their Liberal Unionist allies gained a majority of Scottish seats in the Khaki Election of 1900. Scotland was major trade hub and it was the golden period for inshore fisheries. Scotland dominated the Europe’s herring trade.
In 1901 the Glasgow International Exhibition opened in Kelvingrove Park. The period teemed with innovation, from the cinema, wireless radio and mass use of the telephone, to the invention of the turbine engine, advances in physics and the achievement of powered flight. When the First World War began in 1914, Scotland sent 690,000 men and provided ships, machinery and food to help the Britain.
These amazing historical photos show life in Scotland from the early 20th century. From the work of famous photographers like Bedford Lemere & Co and Thomas Annan, to snapshots from private family albums, these images provide a fascinating glimpse into a remarkable period in history.
