SATEAL (or SATESL as it was originally called) was formed in the late 70’s, when the arrival of the Vietnamese Boat People brought ESL into greater prominence in Scotland. Betty Barr, who was ESL Coordinator for Fife, convened a national meeting of ESL teachers at Balwearie High School, Kirkcaldy. Ollie McLaughlan, the Rector of Balwearie, took an active interest in ESL and attended the meeting. According to him, he came up with the suggestion of forming an association for the teachers of ESL in Scotland. He threatened to lock the doors and keep the participants there until they came up with a name and elected office-bearers!