Famous Scots from every region

The Western Isles

Flora MacDonald 1722 - 1790
Born on South Uist, she was made famous for her part in sheltering Bonnie Prince Charlie on his escape through Scotland. She disguised him as her Irish maid Betty Burke, when he had a price on his head of £30,000. Later in life she emigrated to the United States but she returned to Scotland in 1778.

Alexander MacKenzie 1764 - 1820
Alexander MacKenzie was born in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. When he was a young he moved with his family to the "New World" to escape the poverty of the Highlands. They became caught up in the American Revolution but managed to escape to Montreal. The main industry was then the fur trade and MacKenzie saw this as an opportunity to travel and explore. While looking for the Pacific Ocean he discovered and charted the longest river in Canada - the MacKenzie River, named after him. His expeditions were legendary and when he wrote the book "Voyages" charting his epic journeys across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans there was such high demand publishers could not keep up.

Compton MacKenzie 1883 - 1972
Sir Edward Montague Compton MacKenzie spent a long period of his life in the small island of Barra in Western Isles. While living here he became committed to Scottish Nationalism. He wrote a series of finely observed Scottish comedies, the most successful of which was "Whisky Galore", a fictional account of a ship which sank carrying a full load of whisky off the isle of Eriskay. MacKenzie is buried on Barra.

The Highlands

MacBeth 1005 - 1057
MacBeth was King of Scotland from 1040-1057, made famous by Shakespeare's play of the same name. The real story chronicled has portrayed him in a better light as a fair king in bloodthirsty times. He was the first Scottish king to make a pilgrimage to Rome in 1050.

Brahan Seer early 17th century
No one can be sure as to the exact birth date of Coinneach Odhar (Kenneth Mackenzie), the Brahan Seer, as recordsof him are a mystery. It is know that he was born in Uig on the Isle of Skye. He is known as Scotland's Nostradamus, due to his gift of sight into the future. He made prophecies including the Battle of Culloden, the Highland Clearances, the building of the Caledonian Canal and the coming of the railways which all came true. He used a round blue stone with a hole in the centre through which he would stare until the vision came to him.

Bonnie Prince Charlie 1720 - 1788
Born in Italy, he was the grandson of James VII of Scotland and II of England. He led the ill-fated Jacobite rebellion which, despite being a much smaller army than expected, managed to reach Derby. The rebellion was effectively crushed at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. He was a fugitive in the Highlands before his return to France. As he lay dying in Rome, a piper played "Lochaber no More" in the courtyard outside.

Sir William Alexander Smith 1854 - 1914
He was born in Pennyland House in Thurso in the far North of the Scottish mainland. He taught Sunday school at an early age and was an officer in an army unit. He noticed how the army recruits behaved much better when having some form of drill and wanted to apply this to his religious teachings of the Sunday school children. The idea was born for the Boy's Brigade, which soon caught on and companies were formed throughout Scotland, England and New Zealand.

Sorley MacLean 1911 - 1996
Sorley MacLean was born in the small village of Osgaig on the Isle of Raasay, near Skye. He was raised in the Gaelic language and began English at six when he started school in Portree on Skye. He studied English at University and there he began to write poetry. His first poems were written in English which he then translated into Gaelic but he decided they sounded better in Gaelic and subsequently destroyed all copies in English. He is today regarded as the father of the Gaelic Renaissance and his work, so full of imagery, still touches people.

Donnie Munro 1953 -
Donald Munro was born in Uig in the Noth of Skye. He was brought up in the bilingual culture of English and Gaelic until he left to study in Edinburgh as an art teacher. He joined the band that would eventually be Runrig in 1973. The band have had great recording success and Donnie Munro has become a household name. His reputation as an eloquent spokesperson for Scotland led him into politics which he still has a keen interest in. Today, he is involved with projects that are preserving the Gaelic language and is still performing his unique concerts.

The Borders

James Hogg 1770 - 1835
James Hogg, known as the Ettrick Shepherd, was born at Ettrick Hall in the Borders. He left formal education after six months and at age seven began to work as a cowherd. In his mid-teens he taught himself to read and write and to play the fiddle. Throughout his life his mother had taught him the great oral tradition of the ballads and folklore of the Borders. His new found skills and the help of the family he was working for allowed him to extend his knowledge and he began writing poetry. At this time Sir Walter Scott became the sheriff of the Borders and was looking for a source of local ballads. The two men met and became great contemporaries and friends throughout their lives.

Jim Clark 1936 - 1968
Born in Chirnside, Berwickshire, Jim Clark became World Champion Racing Driver twice. Considered by many at the greatest Racing Driver of all time, he won 25 Grand Prix. There is a museum dedicated to him in Duns.

Sir Walter Scott 1771 - 1832
Born in Edinburgh, he began in the legal profession but became a phenomenally successful poet and novelist with romantic historical works such as "Waverly" and "Rob Roy". Scott was more responsible than anyone else for transforming the image of Scotland and for establishing many modern conceptions of Scottish history and character.

Thomas the Rhymer c.1210 - c.1290
Born and lived at Ercildoune (Earlston).  According to Sir Walter Scott's Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders, Thomas saw the Queen of the Fairies as she rode out over the Eildon Hills, was captivated by her and returned with her to her kingdom inside the hills. After seven years, he was allowed to return to earth and as a keepsake was given the gift of prophesy. Among his predictions were the death of Alexander III, the defeat of Flodden and the union of the crowns in 1603.   He was also one of Scotland's earliest poets.  There is sculpture, viewpoint & interpretation boards in his memory at Boglie Burn, near Melrose.   The ruins of his tower remain just south of Earlston.

Douglas Haig 1861-1928
Born in Edinburgh to an old Borders family, Douglas Haig was a soldier who rose through the ranks to become Commander in Chief of the British Army in 1915, and is remembered as a national hero for his defence at Mons and Ypres. He later became the First Earl Haig of Bemersyde and founded the Earl Haig Poppy Fund and Royal British Legion to care for those wounded and bereaved as a result of the First World War. His home of Bemersyde was presented to him by the nation.  A monument to Douglas Haig can be seen at Dryburgh Abbey where he is buried.

Sir Charles (Chay) Blyth 1940 -  
Born in Hawick on 14th May, 1940 and lived in the West End area of the town. At 18 he joined the British Army's Parachute Regiment, becoming a Sergeant at the age of 21.  In 1966 Sgt. Chay Blyth and Capt. John Ridegway rowed across the North Atlantic from Cape Cod to the Aran Islands, in a 20 ft. dory in 90 days, and Chay Blyth was awarded the British Empire Medal. In 1971 he became the first person to sail, single-handed, non-stop, around the world aboard the 59 ft. ketch British Steel. "The most outstanding passage ever made by one man alone" quoted the Times. In recognition of his achievement, he was made a Commander of The British Empire. In 1997 Chay was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen for his services to sailing.

Jimmie Guthrie 1897 - 1937 
"Hawick's Racing Legend" Jimmy was born on 23rd May 1897 and served his apprenticeship as an Engineer.  As a motorcycle racer, he achieved success after success, winning race after race and held many world records and European Championships. His last race was at Sachsenring where he died "upholding the honour of his country in the German Grand Prix" on 8th August 1937. The train to the German frontier carrying his body had a military escort. His funeral took place in Hawick and was attended by thousands - the cortege was 3 miles long.  At statue of Jimmie Guthrie was erected in 1939 at Wilton Lodge Park, Hawick, near to the Museum, where there is an exhibition commemorating his life.

Shetland

Arthur Anderson 1792 - 1868
He began his sailing career in the Navy. He mainly served as a captain's clerk but left aged 23 and headed for London in the hope of gainful employment. He met Brodie McGhie Wilcox who was about to embark on a shipping enterprise to Spain and Portugal and realised Anderson's skills and offered him the clerks position, seven years later he made him partner. The business went from strength to strength and began to carry mail. The company soon became the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (known today as P & O Ferries). During this time Anderson was still very involved in Shetland affairs and began to suggest a trip from Shetland to the Faroes and Iceland - the first ever cruise.

Tom Anderson 1910 - 1991
Tom Anderson MBE was a fiddler, composer, folklorist and teacher who was a profoundly influential figure in the development of Shetland music.

Aly Bain 1946 - 
Aly Bain was born and grew up in Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. He stared playing the fiddle at eleven learning the art from another famous Shetland musician, Tom Anderson. His gift to bring the music alive through with his dramatic playing, tone and technical ability soon made him famous. He moved to mainland Scotland where he helped to establish the "Boys of the Loch" and began a career that continues today. In 1992 Aly was awarded an M.B.E for his services to folk music.

Perthshire

Neil Gow 1727 - 1807 
Neil Gow lived all his life in Inver, a small settlement on the west of the Tay. He was renowned as a composer and player of reels and strathspeys, some as settings for words by Burns who was his contemporary.

John Buchan, Lord Tweedsmuir 1875 - 1940
John Buchan was born in Perth and went on to have a distinguished diplomatic career culminating as Governor General of Canada. He was most famous for his novels such as the 39 Steps. He also wrote historical biographies.

Dougie MacLean 1954 - 
Dougie MacLean was brought up in rural Perthshire to a Gaelic background. It was clear he had a talent for music from an early age and he has gone on to become one of Scotland's most successful singer/songwriters. One of his best known songs is "Caledonia" which reached number 1 in the Scottish charts in 1992.

Ewan McGregor 1971 - 
Ewan McGregor was born in Crieff in 1971. He wanted to be an actor from a young age and began by studying at drama at Kirkcaldy in Fife and then attended London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He was shot to fame in the cult film "Shallow Grave" and followed that with the hard hitting drama "Trainspotting". His world-wide recognition has come from his role as the Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequels. He has a long list of achievements under his belt and he shows no signs of slowing down.

Orkney

Edwin Muir 1887 - 1959
Edwin Muir was born and brought up in Orkney. At Fourteen he was forced to leave the Island when his family moved to Glasgow. Within four years he had lost both his parents and five of his siblings which only served to increase the Gulf between him and his "Eden", Orkney. He married and moved to London where he began to write. His psychological distress affected his work greatly and he began to write as he saw life, re-enacting fable with much parody. He later became Warden of Newbattle Abbey College, near Edinburgh, where he found peace by inspiring the adult students. "The complete poems of Edwin Muir" was published in 1991.

Eric Linklater 1899 - 1974
Eric Linklater was actually born in Penrath in Wales, however, he led people to believe he had been born in Dounby, Orkney. His family moved to Orkney when he was young and he always regarded the isles as his spiritual home. He is regarded as one of the most versatile novelists of the mid-century, writing poetry, historical novels and fictional novels. His most well known novels include "Juan in America", "Magnus Merriman" and "The Lion and the Unicorn". His autobiographies include "A year in Space" and "Fanfare for a Tin Hat". Eric Linklater is buried is St Michael's churchyard in Harray, Orkney.

George MacKay Brown 1921 - 1996
George MacKay Brown was born in the harbour town of Stromness. He went to school there and then for over 10 years he occupied himself with reading, writing poems and contributing to the local newspaper. In 1951 he moved to Edinburgh to study at Newbattle Abbey College where fellow Orcadian, Edwin Muir was the Warden. Edwin Muir influenced his writing greatly and helped to get his first collection of poems published as "Loaves and Fishes" in 1959. MacKay Brown returned to Stromness to continue writing and rarely left the Island again. His work was influenced by his surroundings, the History of the Islands and by Norse folklore. His novels include "Greenvoe", "Magnus" and "An Orkney Tapestry".

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies 1934 - 
Although he is originally from Manchester, he has lived on Hoy in the Orkney Islands since 1970 and has composed the majority of his work from there. He has been greatly influenced by his surroundings and he frequently draws on Orcadian and Scottish subject matter for his music. He has also been significantly influenced by George MacKay Brown. With two hundred published works in every medium, he is universally regarded as one of the foremost composers of our time.

Greater Glasgow and the Clyde Valley

James Watt 1736 - 1819
Born in Greenock, he followed his father's trade of mathematical instrument maker. He patented an invention which was the prototype steam engine in 1769, whilst working at an ironworks in Falkirk and worked on improving this in Birmingham. The unit of electrical power named after him was standardised in the 1880s.

Charles MacIntosh 1766 - 1843
Born in Glasgow, he invented the waterproofing agent for the coat of the same name.

James 'paraffin' Young 1811 - 1883
Born in Glasgow, he realised the potential for extracting paraffin from oil-rich shales and coals. He went on to set up Scotland's oil industry.

David Livingstone 1813 - 1873
Born in Blantyre, Livingston became an explorer and missionary. He discovered the Victoria Falls and led expeditions up the Zambezi and Nile. It was on the Nile that he met the journalist Henry Stanley who spoke the often quoted line "Dr Livingstone I presume". There is a visitor centre in Blantyre about the life of Livingstone.

Sir William Arrol 1839 - 1913
Born in Renfrewshire, the son of a spinner, two projects were to give Arrol his lasting fame. His engineering business constructed the new 85 span Tay Railway Bridge (1882-1887) and the cantilever Forth Railway Bridge (1883-1890).

Charles Rennie MacKintosh 1868 - 1928
Born in Glasgow, MacKintosh was one of Scotland's most original architects. His works include the Glasgow School of Art, House for an Art Lover and Hill House in Helensburgh. Later he concentrated on his painting career although he never gained as much international fame for this

The 'Glasgow' boys
In the late 1870s a group of young artists, sought to challenge the established art world through their subject matter and tonal qualities. They flourished throughout the 1880s and 1890s, and as well as painting in Glasgow and its environs they sought scenes of rural life and character in Kirkcudbright, Cockburnspath and other parts of Scotland. Principal members of the group included Joseph Crawhill, Sir James Guthrie, George Henry and EA Hornel - their works can be seen in various Scottish collections, notably the Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum, the Burrell Collection and Broughton House, Kirkcudbright.

The Scottish Colourists 1920's - 1930's
After the Glasgow Boys came a smaller group, who although not recognised in the 1920s and 1930s when they were exhibiting, were rediscovered in the 1980s as a seminal influence on 20th Century Scottish painting and are now highly regarded internationally. Trained in France and consequently borrowing from the strong vibrant colours of contemporary French painting, they became known as the Scottish Colourists. The main artists were SJ Peploe, FCB Cadell, Leslie Hunter and JD Fergusson. Their works have become familiar particularly through reproductions. Originals can be seen in Scottish galleries including Aberdeen Art Gallery, Kikcaldy Art Gallery and the JD Fergusson Gallery in Perth.

Billy Connolly 1942 -
Born in Glasgow, he started his career as a welder in the dockyards of Glasgow. During the 1960s he was a member of a successful folk band called the Humblebums but it was soon clear that his jokes were taking over the show. During the 70s he became famous in his own right as a comedian and a writer both on stage and on television. His career flourished and he began acting. His credits include "Head of the Class", "Big Man" and recently as John Brown in the Oscar winning film "Mrs Brown".

Bill Forsyth 1946 - 
Bill Forsyth was born in 1946 in Glasgow. He has had a successful career as a director, writer and occasional producer. He is most famed for the 1983 film "Local Hero" which was nominated for 6 British Academy Awards. Local Hero was filmed in the Aberdeenshire village of Pennan

Robbie Coltrane 1950 -
Born in 1950 in Rutherglen, Robbie Coltrane has gone on to become an accomplished actor and comedian. His many roles include "Danny" in Tutti Frutti", "Valentin Zukovsky" in "The World is Not Enough" and numerous roles in the comic strip productions. He is best known for his portrayal of the gambling, alcoholic psychologist "Fitz" in the Drama

Kenny Dalgleish 1951 - 
Glasgow born Dalgleish is one of the heroes of Scottish football. At sixteen he joined Celtic as a striker and went on to score more than 150 goals during his time there. At 26 he joined Liverpool which led to him taking on the role of the first ever player manager in 1985. He went on to lead Blackburn Rovers to a FA Championship win and then later moved to manage Newcastle.

Sheena Easton 1959 - 
She was born Sheena Shirley Orr in Bellshill, near Glasgow. Inspired to become a singer she attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and graduated in 1979. Very soon afterwards she was recording albums and winning awards. She has also pursued a career in film and her appearances include Miami Vice and Outer Limits.

Robert Carlyle 1961 -
Born in Glasgow, he has gone on to be regarded as one of the best British actors of his generation. "Trainspotting" was the first film to bring him major recognition and this was followed by the box office success, "The Full Monty". He is also well know for his role as local policeman, Hamish MacBeth, set in Plockton in the Highlands and villain "Renard" is the James Bond film "The World is Not Enough".

Colin Montgomerie 1963 - 
Colin Mongomerie was born in Glasgow in 1963. He has become one of Scotland's golfing heroes, dominating completions at home and abroad for many years.

Edinburgh and the Lothians

John Knox c.1510 - 1572
Born in Haddington, he was a key figure in the Reformation in Scotland. Influenced by John Calvin, he often came in to conflict with Mary Queen of Scots who was Catholic. John Knox house on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh is open to the public.
 
Mary Queen of Scots 1542 - 1587
Born in Linlithgow Palace, but brought up in France as a Catholic, she returned to Scotland on the death of her first husband King Francis II of France to reign in turbulent years. After two marriages which were political disasters and the appointment of an Italian First Minister, she fled to England where she was imprisoned by her cousin Elizabeth I. Mary was executed at Fotheringay Castle in 1587.

James I England/VI Scotland 1566 - 1625
James, the only son of Mary Queen of Scots was born in Edinburgh Castle. He was crowned in 1567 on the abdication of his mother. When Elizabeth I of England died childless in 1603, he became king of both countries, thus uniting the crown of both England and Scotland.

John Napier 1550 - 1617
Napier was born in Merchiston Castle in Edinburgh, which is now part of the University named after him. He was an eminent mathematician and theorised the concept of logarithms. He also invented war machines including the forerunner of the armoured tank and the submarine. He built Lauriston Castle in Edinburgh, which is now open to the public.

James Clerk-Maxwell 1831 - 1879
Son of a Dumfries landowner he made important discoveries in the field of science. He originated the notion of electro-magnetism and took the first

John Muir 1838 - 1914
Born in Dunbar, he was one of the most famous conservationists of his time. He influenced President Roosevelt to form America's first National Park. In Scotland, the John Muir Trust has reserves throughout the country, including areas in East Lothian, Knoydart, Skye and Sutherland.

Alexander Graham Bell 1847 - 1922
Born in South Charlotte Street in Edinburgh's New Town, he emigrated to the United States due to ill health. He initially planned to invent a machine to help the deaf to hear. It was in this research in Boston that he developed the telephone.

Robert Louis Stevenson 1850 - 1894
Born in Edinburgh, the son of a lighthouse engineer, he became a famous novelist. He wrote many classics including Treasure Island and Kidnapped. He was constantly dogged by ill health and for this reason moved to Samoa where he died in 1894.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 1859 - 1930
Conan Doyle began his career studying medicine, however, he is best known for his novels of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes of whom there is statue on Picardy Place, Edinburgh where Doyle was born.

Sir Harry Lauder 1870 - 1950
Born in Portobello, he became one of the most famous comics to come out of Scotland. He attracted many critics as his humour was seen to support a derogatory although benign stereotype of Scotland. He was at the top of his profession for 50 years, filling halls across the country.

Sean Connery 1930 - 
Sean Connery was born the Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh. He left school early to work and had a variety of jobs including milkman, labourer, lifeguard and even a nude model for art classes. He drifted into acting and began performing on plays. His first TV appearance was in 1956 which led to a contract with MGM. He appeared in a few low-key films before being offer the role of "Bond" in the 1962 film "Dr No". The role of Bond was one he was to pursue for a number of years but eventually he wanted to try more varied roles. He continues to be one of Hollywood's leading actors with many award-winning performances throughout his career.

Dumfries and Galloway

John Paul Jones 1747 - 1792
Jones was born in Kirkcudbrightshire in 1747. He is famous as the founder of the American Navy during the Wars of Independence. He fought with the French when they planned to invade Britain in 1778 and was thwarted only by the weather from launching an attack on Edinburgh.

Thomas Telford 1757 - 1834
The son of an Eskdalemuir shepherd, he served his apprenticeship as a stone mason, putting him in good stead as a civil engineer. His creations include the Dean Bridge in Edinburgh, the Caledonian Canal, linking the east and west coasts of Scotland and the Gotha Canal in Sweden.

Rev Henry Duncan 1774 - 1846
Rev Henry Duncan was responsible for the world's first savings bank. It opened on the 10th May 1810 in Ruthwell, near Dumfries. The Ruthwell Parish Bank paid interest on the savings of locals and was intended to instil thrift and independence into the working man. The idea soon took off and before long there were savings banks throughout Britain, Europe and America. Duncan was also a geologist and is credited with being the man who first identified a fossil footprint in Britain, at Cornockle quarry near Lochmaben. He also restored the Ruthwell Cross in 1818, which is one of the most discussed mediaeval monuments in the World.

Hugh MacDiarmid 1892 - 1978
Born in Langholm, he was involved in politics as an early member of the Independent Labour Party, the Communist Party and a founder member of the Scottish National Party. It was however, his poetry that made him famous and he worked hard to establish Scotland as a serious literary base.

David Coulthard 1971 - 
David Coulthard hails from the small village of Twynholm, near Dumfries. His racing career began with karting where he won the Scottish Championship 3 times, Scottish Open twice and the British Championship (junior) and the Scottish Open (senior). This lead to FF1600 championships which in turn led to F3000 where he raced with Bennetton-Ford in 1992. His Formula 1 career began in 1994 when he was promoted from test driver for Williams-Renault. He gained his first Formula 1 win with Williams-Renault in 1995 in Portugal. He moved to McLaren Mercedes in 1996 and has been a major competitor for the World Championship ever since.

Ayrshire and Arran

David Dale 1739 - 1806
Born in Stewarton, Dale joined with the English cotton-spinner inventor Sir Richard Arkwright in a short-lived partnership to build the New Lanark Mills. Dale improved the conditions of his employees, providing a balanced diet, free schooling and low cost housing. The New Lanark World Heritage Village is now a visitor attraction.

John 'tar' MacAdam 1736 - 1836
Born in Ayr, he was the inventor of the macadamising system of road making, commonly known as tarmac.

John Dunlop 1840 - 1921
Dunlop was born in Ayrshire and became a vet. It was his hobby as a cyclist that led him to change the tyres of a bicycle from solid rubber to having a pneumatic tyre. This development was fundamental in the development of the motor

Sir Alexander Fleming 1881 - 1955
Born in Loudon, he worked on anti-typhoid vaccines. He became famous for his discovery of penicillin in 1928 although the drug was not perfected for another 11 years.

Robert Burns 1759 - 1796
Born in Alloway, just south of Ayr, he was the son of a farmer. He was famed for writing in the language of the people. His work became very popular with the literary elite in Edinburgh with its often satirical attacks on the establishment. He later became an Exciseman and died soon after in Dumfries. The Burns National Heritage Park in Alloway includes the cottage where he was born. There is also a museum commemoration Burns in Dumfries.

Argyll, The Islands, Loch Lomond, Stirling and The Trossachs

Robert the Bruce 1274 - 1329 
Born in Turnberry Castle, he was a key figure in the Wars of Independence against English occupation. He was crowned in 1306 and reigned till 1329. The battle of Banockburn in 1314 was one of the main turning points of the war and there is a National Trust visitor centre at the site near Stirling.

William Wallace c.1270 - 1305
Born in Elderslie, near Paisley. He was the leader of the Scots' resistance against the English occupation at the beginning of the Wars of Independence. He defeated the army of Edward I at the battle of Stirling Bridge. He was eventually betrayed and executed in London. There is a monument to him in Stirling which tells the story of his life, climb the 246 steps of the tower for spectacular views.

Rob Roy Macgregor 1671 - 1734
He was a famous freebooter from the Trossachs area who also participated in the 1715 Jacobite uprising. Sir Walter Scott immortalised him in the book of the same name. There is a visitor centre in Callander, which tells the story of his life, and his grave is situated in nearby Balquhidder.

John Logie Baird 1888 - 1946
Born in Helensburgh, he was a student of electrical engineering. In 1926 he first demonstrated television to a number of scientists in his London flat.

Jackie Stewart 1939 - 
Jackie Stewart was born in Milton, Dumbartonshire in 1939. He grew up around cars but did not get involved in racing himself until later. After impressing spectators at a test drive he was recruited by Ken Tyrell for the Formula Junior team in 1963. He entered Formula 1 in 1965 with BAR and soon won his first Grand Prix in Monza. He went on to win 27 Folmula 1 races and 3 World Championships. Today, he is still greatly involved in Formula 1. He formed Stewart Grand Prix in 1997 with his son and this has now become the Jaguar Ford Team

Angus and Dundee

The Marquis of Montrose 1612 - 1650
James Graham, 5th Earl and 1st Marquis of Montrose was born in Montrose, the long awaited son of the Graham family. He was well educated and talented in mathematics, archery, golf and fencing. He lived for some time in France as an officer in the Scottish Guard. On his return, he first joined the Covenanters, but afterwards became a zealous royalist. He gained several battles for the king, but was defeated by Leslie at Philiphaugh in 1645. Five years later, having been captured in Orkney, was brought to Edinburgh and executed in 1650.

John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee 1649 - 1689
He was a professional soldier who fought in Europe before returning to control the Covenanters in the reign of James II where he earned the name Bloody Clavers. He was shot and killed after successfully routing the Government forces of William of Orange at the Battle of Killiecrankie. There is a visitor centre at Killiecrankie near Pitlochry.

Sir Charles Lyell 1797 - 1875
Sir Charles Lyell was born at Kinnordy House, near Kirriemuir. He was a distinguished geologist and a great encouragement to Charles Darwin when he was laying the groundwork of evolutionary biology. In 1829 the first volume of his work "Principals of Geology" was published causing great controversy. This confliction with science and religious faith was something he felt throughout his life.

Sir James M. Barrie 1860 - 1937
Born in Kirriemuir, his most famous work was Peter Pan. The National Trust for Scotland has a visitor centre at Barries birthplace which is open to the public.

Ian McDiarmid 1944 - 
Ian McDiarmid was born in Carnoustie and grew up in Dundee. He attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and following that he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. He is probably best known Senator Palpaltine in the Star Wars films but he is also a hugely successful and influential artistic director.

Aberdeen and Grampian

W. E. Gladstone 1809 - 1898
Born at Fasque House in Fettercairn, Gladstone is the grand old man of British politics. He was leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister in four governments from 1868 to 1894. He was responsible for major reforms in every sphere of national life and for the development of imperial and foreign policy and he stamped his moral authority on the politics of his time. He finally divided the Liberal Party on the issue of Home Rule. Gladstone was also a considerable scholar and author in his own right. Fasque House has an exhibition of William Gladstone memorabilia.

Sir Patrick Geddes 1854 - 1932
Sir Patrick Geddes was born in Ballater. He began working in the national Bank of Scotland but went on to study botany at Edinburgh University. He did not enjoy formal study and left after only a week to go to London. In 1880 he returned to Edinburgh University and his wide field of interests led him to develop innovative urban renewal programmes including the creation of the first student halls of residence. He was a believer in improvements to the environment claming that humans prospered where there was fresh air, gardens and good housing. He purchased a building near Edinburgh Castle which he used as a "social observatory". Its famous camera obscura is still part of the outlook tower and can be visited to today. Geddes now influences civic planning throughout the world.

Ramsay McDonald 1866 - 1937
Ramsay MacDonald was born illegitimately to the son of a plough-boy and serving girl in Lossiemouth. He was elected the first Labour Prime Minister in 1924. He was re-elected in 1929 and later formed a collation Government with Stanley Baldwin in 1931.

Annie Lennox 1954 -
Born in Aberdeen on Christmas day, Annie Lennox has had a hugely successful career both with the Eurythmics and in her solo career. She showed signs of her musical talent at an early age and was accepted into the Royal Academy of Music at 17. She later joined forces with Dave Stewart to form the Eurythmics and together hey enjoyed major success during the 1980s with songs such as "Sweet Dreams" and "Here Comes the Rain Again". The Eurythmics spilt in 1989 and Annie Lennox went on to establish herself as a solo artist, with her album "Diva" which won her major acclaim, including a Grammy. Recently, she was reunited with Dave Stewart and they released an album entitled "Peace".

Evelyn Glennie 1965 -
Evelyn Glennie was born in Aberdeen and grew up near by. She began studying percussion at an early age but by the age of twelve her hearing had deteriorated and she was pronounced profoundly deaf. Her determination and great talent has led her to play with the top orchestras and conductors of the world and in recognition of her music she has achieved many awards, including a Grammy.

Kingdom of Fife

Alexander Selkirk 1676 - 1721
Alexander Selkirk was the real Robinson Crusoe and the inspiration for Daniel Defoe's book by the same name. Selkirk was born in Largo in Fife. He was a seaman and took part in several pirateering expeditions. One his last trip, he had a dispute with the incompetent captain and demanded to be out ashore thinking the crew would join him. Instead he was abandoned on the remote island where he survived for four years and four days until his rescue.

Adam Smith 1723 - 1790
Born and raised in Kirkcaldy, Smith is known as the true founder of classical economics. One of his books, The Wealth of Nations, is one of the most influential works on economic theory. His theories are still relevant in today's economic climate.

Robert Adam 1728 - 1792
Born in Kirkcaldy, he is probably the most famous Scottish architect. His work includes New Register House in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh and Culzean Castle in Ayrshire

Andrew Carnegie 1835 - 1919
Born in Dunfermline to a weaving family he made a fortune in the steel industry in the United States. What is remarkable is that he gave a sizeable percentage of his wealth to causes he felt would benefit society and built over 2500 free libraries throughout Scotland, England, the United States and Canada. He returned to Scotland and built Skibo Castle (well known as the venue for Madonna and Guy Richie's wedding) for his retirement. The Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum in Dunfermline tells the story of this exceptional man.

Sir James Dewar 1842 - 1923
Dewar was born in Kincardine. He invented the vacuum flask whilst investigating the behaviour of gasses at low temperature. He also invented cordite.