What was life in Early-Victorian Scotland like?

by ARKipling

I'm doing some research for a story and I'm struggling to find information about this time and place in history. I'm specifically interested in the very first decade of Queen victoria's rule (1837-1847) I'm particularly interested in the following questions: -Was industrialization booming in this decade in the same way as its typically associated with the industrial revolution in Scotland? -What were the towns and small cities that were changing the most during this period? maybe through newly built railroads. -Was the idea of leaving the UK even remotely considered by the people at this point?

  • What was the national identity of Scotsmen at the time like? and how did it compare to the idealized image of Wales, Britain, and Ireland (Northern and Southern, or were they seen to be more or less the same thing?)
  • What were some common superstitions of the time, the last witch hunt had been about a century prior and it was currently illegal to claim to have magical abilities if I'm not mistaken.
  • Every society has it's public hysteria, if it wasn't witches, what was it in Scotland? Christians? Foreigners? MASONS? or was that a mostly British thing? -In fact, how were the Freemasons regarded in Scotland? -And finally what was the most prominent radical group or political party in Scotland? and did they hold any political power?
cryptoengineer

Full disclosure: Yes, I'm a Mason]

I don't have the historical chops to give you a full rundown on your questions, but I can point you to a source which you may find helpful on one topic.

This 1873 book is available online: "History of the Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel) no.1. Embracing an account of the rise and progress of freemasonry in Scotland" by Lyon, David Murray; Loewy, Benno, 1854-1919.

at https://archive.org/details/cu31924030291813

The full text version is easily searchable, and while it mentions anti-masonry a few times, it is clearly not a major concern.

Freemasonry, as we recognize it today, originated in Scotland during the 16th century, and later moved south, and beyond.

Suspicion of the Craft by non-members is long standing. Though its prior to your period, you might want to look at the 'Unlawful Societies Act' of 1799, which required quick action by prominent British freemasons (the Duke of Atholl and the Earl of Moira) to get a specific carve-out for Freemasonry.

I'm not aware of any kind of 'public hysteria' over Freemasonry during your period, but it could have existed - you'd have to study the popular press of the time.