Smallpox

Smallpox, a severe and contagious disease, made its notable presence in Scotland by the latter half of the 17th century. Although sporadic cases might have existed earlier, it was during this period that the disease emerged as a major public health concern, with successive outbreaks taking a heavy toll on the population. The introduction of variolation and later, vaccination, in the 18th and 19th centuries, respectively, marked a turning point in combating the disease. By the early 20th century, thanks to extensive vaccination campaigns, smallpox had become a rarity in Scotland, culminating in its global eradication by 1980.