ABSTRACT
The parish of Kirkcaldy itself was small, with a population of 2,296 when Alexander Webster carried out his census in 1755, but geographically it was appropriate to designate it the lang toon. Since Kirkcaldy was neither geographically extensive, nor heavily populated, its educational provision was as adequate as in many other parts of Scotland and in 1818, with twelve day schools in addition to the parish school, it was reported that: There are ample means of education for all who desire it. The administration of the burgh lay in the hands of the town council, with responsibilities covering the usual fields of ecclesiastical provision, poor relief and, of particular relevance to Adam Smith, the burgh school. The school of Kirkcaldy set Smith on an educational path which led to international distinction; it gave him some lasting friendships, some of which were rooted in the attendance of a remarkable group of boys at the burgh school at much the same time.
