* Religious persecution: Many Scottish people were Presbyterians, and they faced religious persecution in Scotland from the Anglican Church. Nova Scotia was seen as a place where they could practice their religion freely.
* Economic opportunity: Scotland was a poor country at the time, and many people were looking for better economic opportunities. Nova Scotia offered the potential for a new start and a chance to own land.
* Political instability: Scotland was experiencing a period of political instability in the 17th century, and many people were looking for a safe place to live. Nova Scotia was seen as a relatively peaceful and stable colony.
* Adventure: Some Scottish people were simply looking for adventure and a chance to explore new lands. Nova Scotia was seen as a wild and untamed frontier that offered the opportunity for excitement and adventure.
Over time, the Scottish community in Nova Scotia grew and became very influential. Scottish people played a major role in the development of the province's culture, politics, and economy. Today, there are over 1 million people of Scottish descent in Nova Scotia, making it the province with the highest percentage of Scottish people in Canada.