[2][3] Scotia is part of the town of Glenville, and is connected with the city of Schenectady by the Western Gateway Bridge[4] over the Mohawk River.

The land was purchased by Alexander Lindsay Glen, a native of Scotland, from the Mohawk people in the 17th century.

[5] In the 20th century, Scotia became a thriving bedroom community for employees of Schenectady employers such as General Electric.

During World War II the Scotia Naval Supply Depot (1942–1971) employed over 2000 workers.

The private Mekeel Christian Academy occupies the former Scotia High School building in the village.

The Route 5 link to Schenectady is over the Western Gateway Bridge, originally built in 1923-25, and replaced in 1971.

[19][20] Scotia was formerly served by railways, including the New York Central (which operated a switch yard in the village), the Delaware and Hudson, and the Boston and Maine, as well as the electric Fonda, Johnstown and Gloversville interurban line.