7. What helped the Irish to mix with the native Scots?

Glasgow born John Wheatley was from an Irish background. He became active in the Labour party and was elected an MP. He was especially interested in improving housing conditions. When the Labour Party formed a government in 1924, an act of Parliament was passed which allowed local councils to build good quality council houses for rent. Thousands of Scots benefited from the Wheatley Act.

1. Love is the answer! Scottish boys and Irish girls (or vice versa) met and married.


2. Irish people were often very active in political parties. Both native Scots and Irish immgrants benefited together from this.


3. Irish people were often active in trade unions and politics. This was also good for both groups.


4. After 1918, the government took over the Catholic schools which had been set up and began to pay for their upkeep. This gave the Irish community more confidence that they were being treated fairly.


5. Religion became less important in the 20th century. Fewer people went to church and religious divisions were less important.