The experience of Italians in Scotland

Question 1

Prejudice

Answer 1

Italians faced some prejudice, for example being nicknamed “tallies”. However, in general, Italians were welcomed by Scots as they were not seen as a threat to Scots jobs or wages.

Question 2

Fascism

Answer 2

With the rise to power of Mussolini in Italy in the 1920s, some Scots became suspicious that Italians may be Fascist sympathisers. La Casa del Fascio was established in Glasgow.

Question 3

Identity

Answer 3

Working king hours in their cafes and fish and chip shops. Italians maintained a distinct sense of identity from Scots. Italian was spoken at home, food was made in Italian style and children were expected to marry italians- with strong parental control ensuring they did so up to the 1920s and 1930s. A sense of separation from the Scots was further reinforced by the development of Italian clubs.

Question 4

ice cream

Answer 4

Originally, Italian immigrants- nicknamed “Hokey Pokey” men- sold ice cream from barrows. Eventually ice cream parlours were established which were popular with young working class Scots in particular as a place to socialise.

Question 5

Cafes

Answer 5

Italians also established their own family run cafes and fish and chips shops. In 1903, there were 89 cafes in Glasgow, by 1905 there were 336. Some condemned the Italians as “Sabbath breakers” due to their businesses being opened on a Sunday. Other Scots readily accepted them for providing a valuable service.

Question 6

main topics (5)

Answer 6

• Prejudice
• Ice cream
• Cafes
• Identity
• Fascism