In recent years I have been astonished by the number of times I have read that there is some confusion regarding the exact year Scotland adopted the Gregorian calendar. I have also read information put forward by ‘authoritative’ sources  who assure us that the Scots adopted the Gregorian (or New Style) calendar one and a half centuries prior to their southern neighbour, and as a consequence great confusion existed for the reason that the dates between Scotland and England varied by 10 or 11 days. I am here to argue that it's all a myth.

It is a myth that has drawn in academics, historians, authors, genealogists and government departments alike. It has led to errors which are regurgitated through the printed and electronic media and it is time to set the records straight.

I am here to argue, and ultimately prove, that Scotland did not adopt the Gregorian calendar in 1600 or in any other year prior to 1752.

In the following pages I, with your help, hope to start the debate that will eventually put this myth to rest.

While we're about it, why don't we tackle the two other prevailing calendar myths: The English calendar riots and that Pope Gregory XIII's reform (Inter gravissimas) required the year to begin on 1 January.  

Please join me and navigate through the pages as I discuss the points that support my argument, and I encourage you to get involved. My contact details are at the foot of the page.

I'm seeking your assistance with identifying material that either supports or refutes my argument, as well as unearthing any evidence that supports the other two myths i.e. 

• Do you know of any contemporary documents that mention riots following the introduction of the Gregorian calendar into Great Britain?
• Do you know of any contemporary documents that state that the 1582 Gregorian reform required the year to begin on 1 January?

As the material is gathered it will be added to the Visitors Comments and Links and References pages of this web site.

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