We are smart people, us Scots. We have helped to shape the world through our ideas and inventions and have long remained characteristically modest about our contributions.
Our intellect and drive have put us at the forefront of so much change, with our education system well praised and envied across the world.
And yet, in recent years, we have seen more negative headlines regarding Scottish education than I am comfortable with, as the editor of The Herald.
Of course, I have a job to ensure decision makers are held to account, and that includes those who shape and control our education sector. Unfortunately, this can result in negative headlines, but I will never waiver from this responsibility and nor will my team.
If things are not going well, if teachers and students are not being equipped with the tools they need for success, then as journalists it is our job to highlight their stories, lay bare the facts, and put pressure on those in power to make things better.
But we also have another job and we have not been doing it very well.
We have a responsibility to support all those in our vast education sector by giving them our backing publicly, not only by highlighting where things are not working, but by celebrating all that is good
