'Wee Frees' want their own schools

Published on Sunday 30 March 2008 22:01

FAITH schools based on hardline Presbyterian principles should be introduced, according to the Free Church of Scotland.

The "Wee Frees" say they want their own schools to be re-established in Scotland.

Scotland's Presbyterian churches gave up their schools to be run by the state in the late 19th century.

Though the Roman Catholic Church and the Scottish Episcopal Church retained stronger ties, their schools are owned and controlled by local education authorities, not the churches.

Now the editor of the Free Church of Scotland's official magazine, the Reverend David Robertson, said it is time to return to education delivered on religious lines.

He has written to the First Minister as part of Mr Salmond's national conversation.