Talk:Education (Scotland) Act 1872

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'Banned' Gaelic[edit]

@Caran Neònach: The Act made no mention of Gaelic, but specified that all education had to be through the medium of English. Since the only other language in Scotland, or at least used in Scottish education, was Gaelic, I think that context has to be appreciated--it was more than coincidentally, accidentally happening to prevent Gaelic medium education. Perhaps a compromise wording would more accurately capture that reality. Catrìona (talk) 23:22, 2 May 2018 (UTC) Catrìona (talk) 23:22, 2 May 2018 (UTC)[reply]


It's very misleading to suggest that it was this 1872 Act which initiated a suppression of Gaelic in education in favour of English. In fact it was Scotland’s own School Establishment Act of 1616 which first required Highland education to be in English, and in its text expressly aimed to suppress Gaelic or 'Irish' as it called the language. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.106.15.126 (talk) 13:49, 2 November 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Broad-based approach[edit]

The 1872 Act was an important piece of legislation which affected Scotland as a whole. The article should be balanced and mention both the positive and negative effects of what was done. While not wishing to detract from what has been written about Gaelic, other factors should be flagged up so as to invite contributions from others. These include, the Act's effect on local educational provision, its neglect of secondary education, fees, and the new popularly elected school boards. A comment on historiographical changes in attitude to the Act would also be welcome. Illuminog (talk) 08:17, 3 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Illuminog, Indeed, the article would benefit from expansion so that all aspects are covered. Here are some sources that might be helpful:[1][2][3][4] You may be able to access the first three with WP:TWL, otherwise you can ask at WP:RX. (t · c) buidhe 08:59, 3 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Many thanks for the leads, Buidhe! Illuminog (talk) 19:39, 3 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]