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Scotland-Canada history brought to life
07/04/2010
A new online resource exploring the rich historic and cultural links between Scotland and Canada goes live today.
The Scots and Canada website, launched by Education Secretary Michael Russell in Toronto, provides a wealth of information to pupils and teachers on both sides of the Atlantic.
With almost five million Canadians claiming Scots ancestry, the site is also a treasure trove for amateur historians.
Mr Russell, in Toronto as part of his Scotland Week programme said:
"There are strong social, cultural and economic connections between Scotland and Canada that date back to the Jacobite Risings of the 18th century and the Clearances of the 19th century. Canada's first two Prime Ministers were of Scottish origin and Scots have continued to leave their mark on Canadian politics, business and education.
"It is vital that pupils in our schools develop a strong understanding of Scottish history and how it has shaped their lives and the lives of others around the world. Interactive, online resources such as this one can help achieve this in an informed and vibrant way.
"For too long Scottish history has been neglected in our schools. That's why through Curriculum for Excellence learning about Scotland's history, heritage and culture is embedded within the curriculum for the first time.
"This fantastic website will be an invaluable addition to the teaching of history in our schools. I am sure it will also be of interest beyond teachers and pupils, both in Scotland and here in Canada."
Mr Russell launched the website while on a visit to Arrowsmith School in Toronto.
Bernard McLeary, Chief Executive of Learning and Teaching Scotland said:
"The Scots Canada website, which sits within our Scotland's History resource, offers a wealth of information and interactive activities for teachers and learners keen to know more about Scotland's long-standing connections with Canada.
"Curriculum for Excellence places great emphasis on our young people having an understanding of their heritage. Resources like this are a fantastic way to engage pupils and stimulate their interest in Scottish history."
The Scotland and Canada website is available in both English and Gaelic and is part of Scotland's History, an online resource developed by Learning and Teaching Scotland. Scotland's History is freely accessible and includes more than 200 topics and links to over 1,000 other online sources with a wide range of interactive supporting materials. This grew out of the Scottish Government's History in the Curriculum Group which looked at ways of improving the learning and teaching of history in the context of Curriculum for Excellence.
Scotland Week 2010 runs from April 3 to 10. It is an ambitious programme of engagements undertaken by Scottish Ministers, VisitScotland and SDI across the U.S. and Canada.