The Scots had an enormous impact on the global development of the British Empire as emigrants, soldiers, merchants and colonial administrators. Imperial Scotland provides a comprehensive examination of their crucial role during the formative era of the long 18th century. The book ranges from the Americas to Australia and from the Caribbean islands to India. It explores in depth many key themes including the slave trade, the Scots on the colonial frontier, Highland soldiers, the saga of the Ulster Scots, the effect of the Scottish Enlightenment and the connection between empire and the economic revolution in Scotland itself.