In 1690, extreme cold and wet weather during the Little Ice Age led to failed harvests and severe famine across Scotland and Ireland. This period of hardship had profound social and economic consequences, exacerbating poverty and leading to widespread suffering. The famine underscored the impact of climate on agricultural productivity and the resilience of communities in the face of environmental challenges.

The famine in Scotland and Ireland during the 1690s influenced poetry and ballads that captured themes of hardship and resilience. Poets like Robert Burns addressed the struggles of the common people, immortalizing their experiences in verse and advocating for social justice through their art.