War had a greater impact on Scotland during the 20th century
than in any other previous age. Whether through active service or
by their experience at home, war touched the lives of most
Scots.
Scotland suffered heavy losses of life during the First World
War. Over 300,000 Scots enlisted before conscription was introduced
in 1916. By the end of the war, over 550,000 Scots had joined the
British Army.
In the Second World War, Scottish industry was vulnerable to
direct attack, particularly shipyard factories and naval bases. Its
distance from Germany meant Scotland escaped the worst effects of
the war, but the aftermath affected Scottish politics, economics
and society.
In this gallery, you'll read stories from ordinary Scots who
achieved extraordinary things during the two World Wars, and find
out how life in Scotland changed.
Sergeant-Piper, King's Own Scottish Borderers
Sergeant-Piper Daniel Laidlaw was an
experienced soldier who volunteered to rejoin the army at the
outbreak of the First World War.
Laidlaw's bravery in the battle of the Loos on 25 September 1915
won him the highest military award, the Victoria Cross.
"During the worst of the bombardment, Piper Laidlaw, seeing that
his company was badly shaken from the effects of gas, with absolute
coolness and disregard of danger, mounted the parapet, marched up
and down and played the company out of the trench.
"The effect of his splendid example was immediate and the
company dashed out to the assault. Piper Laidlaw continued playing
his pipes until he was wounded."
Daniel Laidlaw survived the battle and the rest of the war and
died, aged 74, in 1950.