I believe the habit of calling private schools public schools is a peculiarly English phenomenon. In Scotland public schools are for the general public and always have been Best wishes, Sheena Ireland. -----Original Message----- From: Martha Chisholm [mailto:martha.chisholm@virgin.net] Sent: 22 December 2004 17:07 To: MIDLOTHIAN-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Public school question Can anyone help with this? I have someone who committed suicide in 1892 who was a head schoolteacher of a public school in Leith. We now refer to private schools as public schools, but did we do the same in 1892? I'd be grateful for any light shed on this one. Martha Chisholm ______________________________