Did you know...

 that although usually a false picture is painted of the Scots as illiterate savages, in reality Scotland has for centuries been celebrated for its great institutions of learning?

 that during King David's reign in 1153 there were church-schools established for reading and singing and, no doubt, in connection with the latter subject, the study of Latin?

 that laws were enacted during King James IV's reign (1488-1513) forcing the sons of Barons and landed gentry to be schooled first in Latin, and subsequently to enter one of the universities?

 that St. Andrew's University, founded in 1411, is the oldest in Scotland?

 that the University of Glasgow was founded under a Papal bull issued by Pope Nicholas V in 1450?

 that the American diplomat, philosopher, and inventor, Benjamin Franklin, personally directed the erection of the lightning-rods of his own inventing on the gateway steeple of Glasgow University about 1758?

 that King's College, now a part of the University of Aberdeen, was founded in 1494?

 that the University of Edinburgh, now spread-eagled over many parts of the city and suburbs, was founded in 1582, by a Royal Charter granted by James VI? The "Old Quad" was erected in 1789 on the site of Kirk 0' Field, where Mary Queen of Scots' ignoble consort, Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley, and his valet, were found strangled in the park after the building had been blown up.
 

 that the University of Edinburgh was the first in Great Britain to
admit women?

 that beginning in 1696 elementary schools were established by churches throughout Scotland, but that this arrangement ended during the 19th Century?

 that frequently the school-masters of old Scotland were men who had studied, or who were studying, for the ministry, so this advanced education equipped them not only for elementary- and secondary-school teaching, but for the preparing of their more promising students for college?

 that although schooling fees were paid by those who could afford them, the inability to pay did not preclude the children of the poor from attending school?

 that often times the wealthy Clan Chiefs, who took seriously their roles as "father" of the Clan ("Clan" from the Gaelic "Clanna," meaning "children"), would themselves finance the educations for worthy, ambitious, and outstanding "sons" and "daughters" of the Clan?

 that even in its most primitive and ancient state, Scotland's culture was a superior one, as evidenced by the examples of her people's arts and crafts which have survived through the centuries: the beautiful tints and shades they developed from plants for vegetable dyes; the many textures and varieties of fabrics they produced from their fine sheep-wool; the artistry of the Celtic silversmiths, whose intricacies and delicacies of design are almost unbelievable; the perfection of the hand-printing of their calligraphers; the music which so clearly and poignantly expresses their loves and hates, joys and sorrows, and the violence and serenity of their lives?