Scalan facts for kids
The Scalan was a very important secret school in Scotland. It was a place where young men could train to become Catholic priests. This was during a time in the 1700s when it was hard to be Catholic in Scotland. The Scalan helped keep the Catholic faith alive when it was not allowed in many places.
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A Secret School's Story
For most of the 1700s, The Scalan was the only place in Scotland training Catholic priests. These priests were sometimes called "heather priests." This name came from the heather plants common in the Scottish Highlands.
Training "Heather Priests"
From 1717 to 1799, more than 100 young men trained here. They learned to be priests even though they faced many challenges. Soldiers from the Hanoverian government often tried to find and stop them.
Why Scalan Was Important
The college was very important for keeping the traditional Catholic faith strong. Especially in the northern parts of Scotland. The name "Scalan" comes from a Gaelic word. It means "galan," which were small turf huts found in the area.
Moving to a New Home
In 1799, the school moved to a new location. This new place was called Aquhorthies College. It was not as hidden as Scalan. The new college had more space and could hold more students.
Famous Students and Teachers
Some important people studied at The Scalan. One was Alexander Geddes, a Scottish thinker and scholar. Another was George James Gordon, also known as a "heather priest." He studied there and later taught at the college for many years.
Visiting Scalan Today
If you visit The Scalan today, you will notice something special. The old college buildings are very hard to see until you are right next to them. This was a clever way to avoid being found by the soldiers long ago.
Scalan as a Museum
Today, The Scalan is a museum. It is open all year for people to visit. You can learn about its history and how it helped keep a faith alive.
The Scalan Association
There is also a group called The Scalan Association. They work to protect the old college buildings. They also help share its amazing history with everyone.
Gallery
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Buildings
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Outbuilding
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History displayed in vicinity
