During the long 19th century, the production and export of cured herring from Scotland to the
Continent
developed into a thriving industry which had a dominant place in the market. Until now, historical
accounts
have focused on national aspects of the industry, but it would not have succeeded without a customer
base
and an extensive distribution network on the Continent. This website shows how commercial
co-operation
across national boundaries helped to slow the decline in the population of the Highlands of Scotland
and
contributed substantially to the feeding of Europe’s growing working classes.
The Schooner Elbe ready for loading – 1870s, Johnston Collection
