The rise in consumption may partly have been because the taxes on spirits had been reduced in 1822 from 7s (35p) to 2s 6d (12.5p) per gallon and spirit consumption had increased from 2,079,000gallons in 1822 to 5,777,000 gallons in 1829. Whatever the cause, the consumption of spirits by all age groups was causing concern. Public houses could readily be found, with an estimated public house for every 130 people in Glasgow or Edinburgh or one for every 83 people in Dunbar in East Lothian. Drink was readily available.

In the 1830s one of the main founders of the temperance movement in Scotland was John Dunlop, a magistrate in Greenock. William Collins, a publisher and evangelist, also promoted temperance in Scotland. Collins used his printing press to print and distribute tracts promoting temperance. This is a leaflet containing a speech by Collins. Both men toured and lectured in Scotland encouraging people to 'sign the pledge', declaring they would never touch strong drink again. The early pledges were against spirits only, with beer and wine seen as being nutritious. Total abstinence was not their aim.

Similar movements were taking place in England, but the visit of Father Theobald Mathew to Glasgow in 1842 took temperance to almost hysterical levels. About 40,000 Irish workers in Scotland are believed to have signed the pledge during his stay in Scotland. Coffee houses and tea shops began to spring up, offering an alternative to the public house. Some public houses even converted to refreshment rooms.

However, perhaps the greatest impetus for reform was given by the many societies and associations that sprung up in support of the temperance movement. Local abstinence societies were formed and many of these offered classes and concerts as alternative entertainments. National groups also began to be established, with branches opening in many areas of Scotland. The Band of Hope targeted children, believing that educating children against drinking alcohol was better than trying to convert them later in life. Many elderly people at the beginning of the 21st century still have fond memories of attending the 'Bandy Hope'.

The Independent Order of Rechabites combined abstinence with friendly society policy and offered the benefits of friendly society membership to abstainers. In their case women and children were also allowed to become members, creating a society that the whole family could join.

The British Women's Temperance Association (BWTA) was a women's association intended to help women fight the evils of drink and encourage their children to abstain. It was politically active and lobbied politicians and submitted petitions. This association originated in the United States where the women were much more aggressive in their campaigning.

It was a native Scotsman who brought The Independent Order of Good Templars over from the United States. From 1869 it was very active in Scotland with many branches throughout the country. Women were admitted as equals with men and juvenile lodges were established. The Sons of Scotland Temperance Friendly Society was also imported from the United States, where prohibition was seen to be the answer to drunkenness, although this proved to be incorrect. The Sons of Temperance proved so popular in Scotland that a Grand division was established.

Political activity was also instigating changes. The Forbes-Mackenzie Act of 1853 reduced opening hours for pubs in Scotland. Sunday opening was prohibited, with only hotels allowed to sell drinks to 'bona-fide travellers'. Public houses had to close at 11p.m. on weekdays. In the 1890s and 1900s the Scottish Labour Party, which later became the Scottish branch of the Independent Labour Party, supported total prohibition. The Temperance (Scotland) Act of 1913 was intended to give voters the right to decide by a majority vote on the licensing in their own district. This law did not become active until after World War One and failed to have the intended impact. The co-operative movement, very popular at the end of the 19th and in the 20th centuries, did not sell alcohol in their shops. The Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society, founded in 1888, would not admit any society or person who sold alcohol.

The implementation of the Gothenburg system in Scotland also promoted temperance. The Gothenburg public houses retained 5% of their profits and used the rest for the benefit of local communities. Entertainment in these public houses was not encouraged and the fittings were often sparse. Tea and coffee were sold in many.

As social conditions improved over the 20th century and going home became a more pleasant experience, life for many became more home-centred and family-orientated. Drinking habits changed, although any cause for celebration still usually involved drinking. It is suggested that by the 1930s the consumption of spirits per head of population per year had dropped to 0.35 gallons, considerably less than 100 years previously. The 1976 Licensing (Scotland) Act made the licensing laws in Scotland more liberal. The veto polls were abolished; Sunday opening was allowed and all-day licences and family certificates could be granted.

By the beginning of the 21st century the drinking habits of many in Scotland were again causing concern. Spirits and beer were easily purchased in supermarkets and licensed grocers. Drinking had once again become the main form of entertainment for many. Social and cultural traditions had changed little, with the consumption of alcohol increasing at the weekends and often in the home. Many associations exist to help those affected by the drinking habits of family members. The mission statement of Alcohol Focus Scotland exemplifies the perceived need: 'As Scotland's national voice on alcohol issues, the AFS's purpose is to improve the quality of life for the people of Scotland by promoting a responsible approach to the use of alcohol by raising awareness, and by stimulating debate'.