What were early Scots known for in Europe?

The Scots have 'always been allowed to possess a considerable share of maritime enterprise' among European nations^[1]. Their 'local situation and circumstances ... directed the genius of its people to the pursuit of nautical affairs'^[1].

Their voyages to Hanseatic towns and other European commercial countries were longer than those of their English neighbors^[1]. Scots also had frequent struggles with 'marauding powers of the North,' which obliged them to keep a more considerable navy than otherwise would have been required for commerce protection^[1].