NL12 – University of Leiden

Stitcher: Ann Dickson – Tranent

The University of Leiden was founded in 1575 as the Dutch Republic fought for independence from Spanish rule. It quickly became one of the most respected centres of learning in northern Europe and – perhaps because they preferred a protestant foundation to those such as Paris – large numbers of Scottish students were soon enrolling. From 1575 to 1800 nearly one and a half thousand Scots studied at Leiden, including the founders of Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens and University medical school. Many more studied law and went on to bring what they learned at Leiden into the heart of Scottish public life.

NL12 Oilthigh Leiden
Chaidh Oilthigh Leiden a stèidheachadh ann an 1575 fhad ’s a bha a’ Phoblachd Dhuitseach a’ sabaid airson neo-eisimeileachd air falbh bho riaghladh Spàinneach. Thàinig e gu luath gu bhith mar aon de na h-ionadan ionnsachaidh a b’ onaraichte ann an ceann a tuath na Roinn Eòrpa agus – ’s dòcha on a b’ fheàrr leotha stèidheachd phròstanach seach feadhainn mar ann am Paris – ann an ùine gun a bhith fada bha àireamhan mòra de dh’oileanaich Albannach a’ clàradh. Bho 1575 gu 1800, bha faisg air mìle gu leth Albannach ag ionnsachadh ann an Leiden, a’ gabhail a-steach luchd-stèidhidh Gàrraidhean Lusan Rìoghail Dhùn Eideann agus sgoil leigheis Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann. Bha mòran eile ag ionnsachadh lagh agus chaidh iad air adhart a’ toirt na dh’ionnsaich iad ann an Leiden gu cridhe na beatha phoblaich ann an Alba.