Scottish Catholic Observer

This week’s Scottish Catholic Observer has a strong educational theme. In a fascinating interview about his new book, Divided Scotland, Tom Gallagher posits the interesting insight that for all the good they have done, Catholic Schools have been a lightening root for anti-Catholic sentiment.

“I think that the existence of Catholic schools is a fundamental issue on why there is an ongoing distrust in religious belief,” the academic noted. “Scotland has for a long time been a poor country, with people struggling for what few resources there are, which breeds a factional, distrustful spirit. And for many, these schools were seen as an advance too far for a minority group who should be happy to put up with what the state offers.”

This view may well have something to it, as it has long been our schools which have been first in the firing line whenever the anti-Catholic flag is raised.

While it may be dispiriting that this ingrained hostility cannot easily be overcome by the excellent record of these schools, which is beyond reproach and widely accepted by education professionals and politicians, it merely underlines that Scottish Catholics must be on their guard at all times for attempts to undermine the work of Catholic education.

In this context the battle to save St Joseph’s Primary School in Milngavie is an instructive one.

The fervour of the parents of St Joseph’s and their determination to save the school is truly impressive. They have mounted a powerful and dignified campaign and if there is any justice in the world, hopefully the local council will provide a suitable compromise.

Although this is sadly an age of austerity and councils have to find cuts wherever they can, some things are worth more than money. This is one occasion where the councillor would do well to think again.

However, the main lesson of this unfortunate incident should be the deep love and affection so many people have for their Catholic schools.

Often people learned there themselves and took their first steps towards adulthood within their walls. As years and generations pass their own children then made the same steps within those same walls. This is a tradition that should not be broken and is why Catholic education is so important.

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PIC: PAUL McSHERRY