In 1890 elementary schooling in Scotland became free.  In rural Sutherland the task of creating access to elementary education for all children was extremely difficult since the population was so scattered.  Particular schools from amongst those already in existence were selected by each Board to be the designated District schools.  These key schools delivered elementary education, oversaw educational attainment in the growing number of side schools and provided the classic ‘parish’ school liberal education for a smaller number of pupils aiming to sit the University entrance exams.  Side schools already existed in some places but more of them were needed to provide elementary education in the really remote straths and glens for shepherds’ families.  A side school is a small school in a corrugated iron hut, often staffed by pupil teachers or unqualified staff who are overseen by qualified staff in the main school.  In later years qualified staff were more likely to be appointed.  In the winter months in the early years of this provision in areas like Strath Naver and Althnaharra an itinerant teacher went from house to house, boarding with each family for a few days since it was impossible for children to walk the long distances to school in the short winter days in bad weather conditions.