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Lives in Key Periods

War & Decline

During both World Wars Scotland's towns and villages paid a heavy toll. During WW1 they lost a higher percentage of their young men than anywhere else in the UK. On the home-front the people left behind also suffered severe hardships as they contributed to the war effort. After WW2 however, the introduction of the welfare state meant they were able to lead longer healthier lives, and new labour saving devices in the home, such as washing machines and vacuum cleaners, allowed the average family more time for leisure than ever before.