Sandra wrote > Most interesting to read your mail Les about the passengers being able to read and write. All Churchgoers I read too, wonder if that has anything to do with their capabilities.  As the (primary) education system - Church/Parish or SPCK - was well established in Scotland by the 1850's most children were taught the basics of reading and writing. There would, of course, those who fell by the wayside. Even today we have people who just can't grasp the basics or are just too lazy to be bothered. Not necessarily ALL churchgoers. I should think that what is shown is their reply to the enumerator. Not all would be adherents to the faith they said and it would probably that in which they were brought up.. Regards Les