Some Famous Scots

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.

Ewan MacGregor, 1971

MacGregor was born in Crieff in 1971. He wanted to be an actor from a young age and began by studying at drama at Kircaldy in Fife and then attended London’s Guilhall 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 show’s no signs of slowing down.

Rob Roy MacGregor, 1671—1734

He was a Famous Freebooter from the Trossachs area who also participated in the 17I5 Jacobite uprising. Sir Walter Scott immortalised him in the book of the same name which has been made into a film starring Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange. There is a visitor centre in Callander, which tells the story of his life. and his grave is situated in nearby Balquhidder.

Compton MacKenzie, 1883

Sir Edward Montague Compton Mackenzie spent a long period of his life in the small island of Barra in Western Isles. 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.

Julianne Moore, 1961—

One of Hollywood’s best known actresses, famous for roles in Hannibal, The End of the Affair and Boogie Nights. Julianne’s mother hailed from Dunoon in Argyll. Julianne has often been quoted to say that she has visited Scotland to see why her grandmother and mother held such affinity with the region of Argyll.

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.