Education is a big part of Scottish culture – in fact, it's been compulsory here for over 500 years.

By 1707, Scotland had four universities. Today, there are 21 universities and colleges providing education at degree level.

Add to that 46 further education colleges, 2,217 primary schools, 386 secondary schools and 190 special schools – and it’s obvious we take education very seriously.

So it’s no surprise the quality of Scottish teaching is renowned all over the world. Scottish qualifications are also widely recognised.

The result? Scotland’s impressive record of inventions – such as the decimal point, criminal fingerprinting, the ultrasound scanner, television and the telephone.