Not all of the emigrants who left the British Isles and Europe stayed away for good. The little explored phenomenon of the returning emigrant is the theme of a conference starting today at the University of Aberdeen, which tracks return movement from the 17th century to the present day.
Emigrants returned for a variety of reasons. Some came back with their illusions shattered, their health ruined, or their pockets empty. Yet by no means all were disillusioned or bankrupt. Many had gone overseas with no intention of settling permanently, but with the goal of repatriating the profits they hoped to make in a range of enterprises.
Some temporary emigrants went overseas out of curiosity, pleasure or religious zeal. Once back home, many were potent recruitment agents in the local communities to which they returned. Their significance will be investigated in papers ranging from 17th-century Scottish mercenaries to the £10 passage emigrants who came home from Australia in the late 20th century.
Dr Marjory Harper, Senior Lecturer in the Department of History said: "This conference is the first to explore the fascinating theme of return migration. We hope that both the conference itself, and the subsequent publication of its proceedings, will generate an ongoing interest in the study of this neglected dimension of the British and European diaspora."
The conference is part of the Diaspora Programme of the newly established AHRB Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies.
Further Information:
University Press Office on telephone +44 (0)1224-273778 or email a.ramsay@admin.abdn.ac.uk.