Scotticisms
During the later part of the 18th century, there was a sustained attempt to create a standard pronunciation of English based on that spoken by the upper social classes in London and at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. There were proposals for an English Academy, based on French and Italian models, to encourage linguistic uniformity.
Correcting ‘errors’
In Scotland, many of the leading intellectuals were anxious to rid their speech and writing of ‘Scotticisms’, distinctively Scottish words and phrases. Books and pamphlets were published highlighting such ‘errors’ and encouraging ‘correct usage’.
Scots sometimes appropriate
At the same time, Scots was considered an appropriate language for poetry, song, proverbs, and storytelling, all of which originated in the oral tradition.