Scottish Blog

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Scotland and the United Kingdom.

Ben Nevis, or The Ben as it is commonly referred to, is located in the western end of the Grampian Mountains, in the Lachaber area of Scotland. Being the highest peak in the British Isles, Ben Navis naturally attracts a large number of hikers and climbers to attempt the ascent to the top of the mountain. In fact, it is estimated that these numbers reach as high as 100,000 ascents per year. Unfortunately, this entails with it a high number of rescues, with forty one rescues and four fatalities being recorded in the year 1999.

Ben Nevis reaches a height of 1344 meters above sea level, at its highest point. Atop its peak there can be found the remains of a meteorological observatory, which was staffed from 1883 till its closure in 1903. There is also a World War II memorial, and ordnance survey triangulation station and an emergency shelter, which interestingly is counted as the highest man made structure in the United Kingdom. It is said that in ideal conditions, the view from the mountain can extend as far as one hundred and ninety kilometers.

The River Clyde is the third longest river in Scotland.

The River Clyde may not seem like a very important body of water, being only the third longest river in Scotland and the eighth longest in the United Kingdom. Further inspection of the River Clyde might not immediately reveal aspects of immense importance, other than the fact hat it runs through the city of Glasgow. Yet this small detail, combined with the fact that the River Clyde came to be a vital shipbuilding area for the United Kingdom actually makes the River Clyde of vital importance in the economic development of Scotland.

The River Clyde is sourced from two separate bodies of water, the Daer Water and the Portail Water. From here the River Clyde travels through the countryside, at one point forming the spectacular Falls of Clyde group of waterfalls. Eventually, after traveling a considerable distance, the river Clyde passes through Glasgow and eventually meets the Firth of Clyde.

Since the location and position of the river Clyde in relation to Glasgow made it an “American facing” port, it was only natural for it to become a major hub of trade from the United Kingdom and from there a logical expansion was for it to become an important industrial area. This growth was seen during the Industrial revolution and to a larger extent until the 1950’s. Unfortunately the growing number of industrialized countries, reduced demand from ships and need for wartime industrial work, has reduced the productiveness of the modern River Clyde.

The Education Act of 1496 made schooling compulsory in Scotland.

The education Act of 1496 was established and passed by the Scottish parliament of the time, under the monarchy of James IV. Often it is actually listed or referred to as the Education Act of 1494, this is due to a clerical error in the parliamentary records, leading to the Education Act of 1496 being labeled as 1494.

Although it would technically it would be correct to state that the Education Act of 1496 made schooling compulsory, it would be slightly misleading. The schooling was made mandatory only for the oldest son of a baron. While this may seem archaic today, the intention was impressive at the time. The sons were required to be educated in Latin, until they reach a “perfect” understanding of the language. At this point they were then sent to be educated in law or art, for the next three years. Failure to follow these laws would result in a fine of £20 Scots.

The Education Act of 1496 states that the purpose of this act was to allow anyone who is likely to be in a position of power, such as a sheriff or judge, to be able to dispense true justice when required.

The High School of Glasgow is the oldest school in Scotland.

The High School of Glasgow was established in 1124, making it not only the oldest school in Scotland but the twelfth oldest in the United Kingdom. This is made more impressive by the simple fact that the inception of the school far pre-dates the Scottish Education Act of 1494, and the mandatory schooling that it required.

Originally, the High School of Glasgow was known as the Choir School of Glasgow Cathedral, although it came to be known by it current name in 1834. School records show no reason for this change other than to create a relatively modern and more applicable sound to the name.

Currently, the High School of Glasgow enjoys its status as a private school. Although prior to 1976 this was not the case, with the High School of Glasgow being a public school and an integral part of the Glasgow schooling system.

In its prodigious history, the High School of Glasgow has taught and been taught by a number of very notable figures. Amongst the teachers, probably some of the most impressive have been Nicola park and Thomas Muir, both notable mathematicians. While among the alumni some important figures have included poets like Thomas Campbell and members of Scottish Parliament like Sir Teddy Taylor and Sir Henry Campbell-bannerman.