The Scottish Navy Mutiny of 1707

The absorption of the Scottish Navy into the British Royal Navy following the Union of 1707 was not a smooth or uncontested process. For many Scots, especially those serving in the navy, this merger marked the loss of their national identity, and it was met with resistance. This resistance culminated in a significant event in October 1707: a mutiny of Scottish sailors stationed in Leith. The mutiny, driven by fears of forced service in dangerous foreign waters and frustration over unequal treatment, highlights the tensions between Scottish sailors and the newly formed British Navy.

This blog explores the causes and consequences of the Scottish Navy mutiny, the broader context of the Union, and how Scottish sailors, like their officers, faced a struggle for recognition and justice during this critical period.

The Union of 1707 and the Absorption of the Scottish Navy

On May 1, 1707, the Acts of Union between England and Scotland came into effect, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain. This merger also led to the dissolution of Scotland's independent military forces, including its navy. The small Scottish Navy, consisting of just a few ships, was absorbed into the far more extensive English Royal Navy. The Royal William and Royal Mary—the flagship vessels of Scotland—were renamed HMS Edinburgh and HMS Glasgow, respectively, and were assigned to convoy duties between Scotland and southern England.

While the Union promised shared prosperity and protection, it was an unpopular move in many parts of Scotland, especially among its seamen and naval officers. The absorption of the Scottish Navy into the larger British fleet was seen not just as a military reorganization but as a profound loss of national sovereignty and identity.

Scottish sailors, many of whom had joined the navy with a strong sense of loyalty to their country, were suddenly thrust into the ranks of the British Navy. This transition was difficult and, for many, deeply unsettling. The Union meant that the blue and white saltire of St. Andrew, which had once flown proudly over Scottish warships, was replaced by the Union Jack, symbolizing the dominance of England over Scotland in naval affairs.

Fear of the West Indies and the Mutiny at Leith

In the months following the Union, tensions within the Scottish naval ranks began to rise. By October 1707, discontent had reached a breaking point when around 100 sailors aboard the Edinburgh (formerly Royal William) mutinied in Leith. These sailors were alarmed by rumors that they were being sent to serve in the West Indies, a distant and perilous station known for its harsh conditions, tropical diseases, and brutal work environment.

The West Indies represented a nightmare scenario for many Scottish sailors. In this era, the Caribbean was seen as a death sentence for European sailors due to the prevalence of diseases like yellow fever and malaria. Scottish sailors, accustomed to their coastal duties and familiar northern waters, were terrified by the prospect of being forced to endure such conditions far from home.

The mutiny at Leith was not just about the destination—it was also about the way Scottish sailors were treated. They felt like they were being absorbed into a system that didn’t value or recognize their service and loyalty. Their former officers, who had led them under Scottish command, were now forced to negotiate for rank and recognition within the British hierarchy. These officers, such as Captain Thomas Gordon of the Edinburgh and Captain James Hamilton of the Glasgow, experienced bureaucratic delays and resistance when trying to secure fair positions within the new British Navy.

The sailors' mutiny was, in many ways, an extension of these broader frustrations. They had fought for Scotland and now feared they were being discarded, sent far from home to serve an empire that they felt no loyalty toward.

The Officers’ Struggles and the Aftermath

The mutiny, though quickly suppressed, underscored the deep resentment and fear among Scottish sailors. Even after the absorption of the Scottish Navy, tensions persisted. For officers like Captain Thomas Gordon, the integration into the British Navy was marred by disputes over seniority and rank. Gordon had commanded the Royal William since 1703, but after the Union, he had to petition the British Admiralty to recognize his rank based on his service in the Scottish Navy. He and Captain James Hamilton, who had commanded the Glasgow, faced delays and bureaucratic obstacles in getting their commissions recognized.

For these officers, the Union meant not only a loss of their national naval identity but also a struggle to secure their positions in a new, unfamiliar hierarchy. The British Navy, far larger and more established, was slow to accommodate these Scottish officers, leading to a sense of marginalization. This bureaucratic resistance reflected the broader challenges Scotland faced in maintaining its identity within the newly formed Great Britain.

The suppression of the mutiny at Leith didn’t end the discontent among Scottish sailors. Many continued to resent their treatment and feared being sent to distant, unfamiliar waters. In an effort to quell further unrest, British naval officials began to rotate Scottish sailors to safer stations, closer to home. But the mutiny remained a potent symbol of the tensions between the promises of the Union and the realities faced by the Scots who were forced to serve a navy that many felt did not value their contribution.

The Legacy of the Scottish Navy Mutiny

The Scottish Navy mutiny of 1707 was more than just an isolated incident of unrest; it was a reflection of the larger struggles faced by Scots in the early years of the Union. For many, the Union of 1707 was not an equal partnership but an absorption of Scotland into a more powerful England. This sense of loss and marginalization was particularly acute in the navy, where Scottish sailors and officers felt they were being forced into roles that did not respect their service or their national identity.

The mutiny at Leith also highlights the fear that Scottish sailors had of being sent to the West Indies—a fear that was not unfounded. The tropical climate and rampant diseases of the Caribbean were deadly for European sailors, and the British Navy’s reputation for harsh conditions made the idea of serving there even more terrifying. For the Scots, the West Indies represented not just a dangerous posting but also a loss of control over their own futures.

While the absorption of the Scottish Navy into the British Navy ultimately helped to create a more powerful and unified fleet, it also marked the end of an era. The distinct Scottish naval tradition, though modest in scale, had been an important part of the country’s defense and maritime history. The mutiny at Leith serves as a reminder that this transition was not smooth and that many Scots felt their identity and autonomy were being erased in the process.

Adapted From: Grant, J. (Ed.). (1914). The Old Scots Navy from 1689 to 1710. Navy Records Society.