Across the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Scotland banished (transported) many fewer offenders on a per capita basis than did England and Wales. From 1718 to 1775, Scotland banished to America about 10% as many offenders on a per capita basis as did England and Wales. Banishment to Australia began in 1787 for English offenders and in 1790 for Scottish offenders. Transportation ended in 1857 for Scottish offenders and in 1867 for English offenders. From 1787 through to the end of transportation, Scotland banished about 50% as many offenders on a per capita basis as did England and Wales.

Other aspects of penal administration also show Scotland leading England and Wales in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.