Famous Scots

Wha's like us?

The Scot has always had the reputation of being a hard-headed, canny individual with an inordinate pride in his race. His proud boast is enhanced in his favourite toast, usually trotted out on Burns' Night -

"Here's Tae us. Wha's like us? Damn few, an' they're a de'ed."

Scotland has given rise to many more famous people, notable in the arts, literature, the sciences and as inventors, philosophers, architects than would be expected for a country of such modest size and population (around 5 million people according to the 2009 survey).

The legacy of so many Famous Scots can be felt all around the world in almost everything we do. From the pneumatic tyres on the cars we drive to the tarmacadam roads we drive on, or the televisions we watch and the telephones use to keep in touch. There isn't an aspect of life or a corner of the world untouched by the ingenuity of some Famous Scot or other.

Use the menu above to discover more about Famous Scots, their achievements and their final resting places