Some very interesting points made in the above postings. I wonder if when the Scottish people left their homeland if they fitted in better initially than the Irish? The reason I say that is because I have never heard the phrase "No Scottish need Apply" unlike the one "No Irish Need Apply" (covered in the song). Believe it or not it was used in London and other cities and the words "No Irish, Coloured or Dogs" could be seen on many boarding houses. Funny enough I never came across any prejudice personally but then I was not a part of the "image" which many English had of the "Paddies" as boozing illiterates.
In passing it is worth pointing out that there are two folk groups - the Scottish one "Ossian" and the Irish on "Oisin." (pronounced "Ush-Sheen.")
By the way, I would reccomend a marvellous book by a Scotsman, Alexander Moffat entitled "The Sea Kindoms" which is the story of Celtic Britain & Ireland. Published in 2001 and ISBN is 0 00 257216 8. He covers many aspects of Scottish history which you won't find in the regular hisory books.
In regard to the extirpation of Irish in Ireland I quote from Brian O Cuiv's book: "..in 1534 the activities of Irish poets, historian and minstrels were regarded as a bad influence.. and evoked the following ordinance: 'that no Yrshe mynstrels, rymours, shannaghes, ne bardes, unchages, nor messangers, come to desire any goodes of any man dwellinge within the Inglyshrie, uppon peyne of forfayture of all theyr goodes, and theyr bodyes to prison.'"