Page "History of Scotland" Paragraph 100

A " democratic myth " emerged in the 19th century to the effect that many a " lad of pairts " had been able to rise up through the system to take high office and that literacy was much more widespread in Scotland than in neighbouring states, particularly England.

Historical research has largely undermined the myth.

Kirk schools were not free, attendance was not compulsory and they generally imparted only basic literacy such as the ability to read the Bible.

Poor children, starting at age 7, were done by age 8 or 9 ; the majority were finished by age 11 or 12.

The result was widespread basic reading ability ; since there was an extra fee for writing, half the people never learned to write.

Scots were not significantly better educated than the English and other contemporary nations.

A few talented poor boys did go to university, but usually they were helped by aristocratic or gentry sponsors.

Most of them became poorly paid teachers or ministers, and none became important figures in the Scottish Enlightenment or the Industrial Revolution.