Teachers

The move to compulsory education dramatically increased the number of pupils. This, of course, created a need for more teachers and the intake of students at Scotland’s teacher training facilities grew accordingly.

Black-and-white portrait of a woman wearing a striped blouse with a white pointed collar and dark buttons, posed against a plain backdrop.

Morag Campbell, a teacher in Soay School. Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre GB3219/P205/001

Weathered corrugated metal building with a green rust-streaked roof and faded walls, featuring multiple windows and a small porch extension. The structure sits beside a narrow paved road in a rugged, grassy landscape under a dark, cloudy sky.

This building, made of corrugated metal, was once a side school at Achlyness. Achlyness is a crofting township stretched out at the head of Loch Inchard near Rhiconich in Sutherland. Photo credit: Willie Morrison

Black-and-white photograph of a man with a moustache seated indoors, wearing a textured suit jacket over a shirt and tie, holding a smoking pipe in one hand. A chair and a door are visible in the background.

Sorley MacLean teacher in Portree and Plockton. Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre SL/D313

Early 20th-century group photo of male and female teachers from Fort William Higher Grade School posed outdoors in two rows, wearing formal suits and long dresses, with a patterned rug in front.

Teachers at Fort William Higher Grade School, 1911

The new school boards were given the ‘right and duty’ to appoint teachers for schools under their control, with salaries at their discretion. New teachers coming in had to be holders of a certificate of competency but those who were already in post pre-1872 were deemed to be holders of a certificate already. Testimonials were important for those seeking new posts, as they continue to be to this day.

Typed testimonial letter on white paper, titled ‘Copy of Testimonial in Favour of Charles J. Birnie.’ The text praises Mr. Birnie’s qualities as headmaster of Watten School, noting his professional competence, character, and civic responsibility. It describes his pupils’ good conduct and academic preparation, his involvement in local affairs, and concludes with a recommendation for his advancement. The letter is signed by William Allan, Rector of Wick High School, dated 21 December 1936.

Testimonial (reference) for Mr C. Birnie, 1936. CC/5/8/3/5

School board minute books give information about the process of recruiting and selecting teachers in addition to details about pay and an insight into the state of the buildings/facilities they had to work with. Many teachers were supported by a pupil-teacher – an older pupil selected to undertake an apprenticeship, working as a teacher while also continuing his/her own studies.

Handwritten entry in a minute book stating that the Board, after careful consideration of applications, resolved to appoint Miss Annie S. Mackenzie as Assistant to Dornoch School at a salary of £65 per annum, as per Board advertisement.

Dornoch School Board Minute Book from 1912. HCA/CS/5/3/4/1

In large rural areas, a side school was often required – a small building or room within a building – to serve one or two families who lived at a distance from the main school. Teachers in side schools were often paid less and taught fewer subjects. Side schools were routinely visited by the main schoolteacher for observation.

In the audio recording below, Isla Sutherland recalls her time as a side school teacher in Sutherland in the 1930s...