Integration and Contributions to Scottish Society
Italian immigrants showed remarkable entrepreneurial spirit, opening fish and chip shops and running small family businesses. The Societa di Mutto Soccorso, established in 1891, provided crucial business loans to help Italians start their own enterprises. Second-generation Italians often changed their names to sound more Scottish and encouraged their children to learn English.
Jewish communities remained relatively small but created strong support networks through "Friendly Societies" that helped new arrivals. Many young Jewish men eagerly volunteered to fight for Scotland during WWI, demonstrating their loyalty to their adopted country. Jewish immigrants excelled in respected professions like medicine, with figures such as Professor Noan Morris gaining prominence.
Lithuanian immigrants initially worked in Scotland's coal mines but gradually moved into other sectors. The Catholic Church, particularly the Holy Family Church in Mossend, provided vital support. Second-generation Lithuanians pursued university education and professional qualifications, eventually joining trade unions and striking alongside Scottish workers.
Remember: All three groups showed that successful integration often took a generation, with immigrant children typically becoming fully integrated into Scottish society.