Chapter 4 (Section V) - Political Heritage (18th-19th Century)

Political Heritage In the late 18th century, Scottish politics were dominated by Henry Dundas, who controlled elections and patronage through a system of alliances and “fictitious freeholds”. This system crumbled in the early 19th century following an investigation into naval funds. By the time of Alexander Burr’s emigration, the political system was facing calls for reform.