Famous People Born In Edinburgh

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 1 
Sean Connery
(The First Actor to Portray Fictional British Secret Agent James Bond on Film)
Sean Connery
97
Birthdate: August 25, 1930
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: October 31, 2020

The first person to play James Bond on screen, Scottish actor Sean Connery went on to star in seven films of the franchise. The role catapulted him to international fame, but this charismatic actor was not restricted to his iconic role. He also tasted critical and commercial success in other productions including Murder on the Orient Express and The Untouchables

 2 
Alexander Graham Bell
(Inventor of Telephone & Co-Founder of 'American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T)')
Alexander Graham Bell
54
Birthdate: March 3, 1847
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: August 2, 1922

Alexander Graham Bell was a scientist, inventor, and engineer. He is credited with inventing the first functional telephone. He is also credited with co-founding America's major telephone company AT&T, which has been going strong since 1885. Bell's later life was marked by his groundbreaking work in aeronautics, hydrofoils, and optical telecommunications. He was also an ardent supporter of compulsory sterilization.

 3 
Robert Louis Stevenson
(Author of Famous Novels: 'Treasure Island' and 'Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde')
Robert Louis Stevenson
21
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: November 13, 1850
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Died: December 3, 1894

Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish travel writer, poet, and novelist. A popular writer in his lifetime, Stevenson went about traveling widely and writing prolifically even as he suffered from bronchial trouble; his will power and love for writing won the hearts of many other writers. In 2018, he was ranked as the world's 26th-most-translated author.

 4 
David Hume
(Best Known for His Highly Influential System of Philosophical Empiricism, Scepticism and Naturalism)
David Hume
15
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: April 26, 1711
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: August 25, 1776

Scottish Enlightenment philosopher, historian, and economist, David Hume, is considered one of the most important philosophers to write in English. His book, A Treatise of Human Nature, is counted among the most influential works in the history of philosophy. His works have influenced numerous thinkers, including German philosopher Immanuel Kant and Christian philosopher Joseph Butler.

 5 
James Maxwell
(Scottish Mathematician and Scientist Who Gave the Classical Theory of Electromagnetic Radiation)
James Maxwell
10
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: June 13, 1831
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: November 5, 1879

Scottish physicist James Maxwell’s contributions included the formulation of the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation and the production of the first light-fast color photograph. His Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution explored the kinetic theory of gases. He has also written poems and was an Elder of the Church of Scotland.

 6 
Iain Glen
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Dr. Alexander Isaacs’ in ‘Resident Evil’ Film Series)
Iain Glen
17
Birthdate: June 24, 1961
Sun Sign: Cancer
One of the British theatre's preeminent men, Iain Glen is best-known for featuring in Resident Evil film series and Game of Thrones. Though he has a catalogue of splendid work but his works flew under the radar. He bagged in a Silver Bear for Best Actor for his phenomenal performance in Silent Screen at the 40th Berlin International Film Festival.
 7 
Tony Blair
(Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom)
Tony Blair
22
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: May 6, 1953
Sun Sign: Taurus

Former Labour Party leader Tony Blair was the prime minister of the U.K. from 1997 to 2007. He supported the U.S.’s “War on Terror.” Blair was the youngest British PM since 1812 and the longest-tenured from his party. He is known for introducing the “New Labour” and the “Third Way.”

 8 
Walter Scott
(Novelist and Poet known for his Works Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, and The Lady of the Lake)
Walter Scott
11
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: August 15, 1771
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: September 21, 1832

Walter Scott was a Scottish novelist, poet, historian, and playwright. Scott's ability as a writer and his knowledge of history made him a pioneering figure in the formation of the historical novel genre. An influential writer, many of his works remain classics of Scottish as well as English-language literature. Scott was admired by other prominent writers like Letitia Elizabeth Landon.

 9 
Shirley Manson
(Actor, Singer, Guitarist, Musician, Model, Songwriter)
Shirley Manson
14
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: August 26, 1966
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 10 
Ronnie Corbett
(Comedian, Author, Writer, Film actor, Stage actor, Cabaret artist, Aviator)
Ronnie Corbett
5
Birthdate: December 4, 1930
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: March 31, 2016
Height: 5'0" (152 cm)
 11 
Graham Hancock
(Writer)
Graham Hancock
3
Birthdate: August 2, 1950
Sun Sign: Leo

Scottish author Graham Hancock spent his initial years in India, where his father was a surgeon. He later moved back to the UK and worked as a journalist for publications such as The Guardian and The Times. He is known to propagate pseudo-scientific theories through his books such as Underworld and Supernatural.

 12 
Stuart Sutcliffe
(Scottish Musician Best Remembered for His Association with the Popular Rock Band 'The Beatles')
Stuart Sutcliffe
7
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: June 23, 1940
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: April 10, 1962

Stuart Sutcliffe was a Scottish musician and painter. He is best remembered for his association with the popular rock band the Beatles, where he was the original bass guitarist. Before achieving popularity as a guitarist, Sutcliffe left the Beatles to pursue painting. Along with John Lennon, Stuart Sutcliffe is credited with coining the name Beetles, which later became the Beatles.

 13 
Neil Connery
5
Birthdate: January 1, 1938
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Died: May 9, 2021
Neil Connery, younger brother of legendary actor Sean Connery, made his movie debut with the film O.K. Connery, also known as Operation Kid Brother, which was modeled on James Bond films. He was also part of the Hong Kong film Aces Go Places 3, a secret agent comedy.
 14 
Chris Hoy
(Former Scottish Track Cyclist)
Chris Hoy
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 23, 1976
Sun Sign: Aries

Chris Hoy is a British racing driver and former track cyclist. A highly decorated Olympic cyclist, he is the recipient of six gold and one silver medals. He is also an 11-time World Champion. He announced his retirement from competitive cycling in 2013. He is also interested in motorsport and competed at the 2015 Race of Champions.

 15 
Ken Stott
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Balin’ in ‘The Hobbit’ Film Series)
Ken Stott
7
Birthdate: October 19, 1955
Sun Sign: Libra

Ken Stott is a Scottish actor best known for his performance in the play Broken Glass, for which he received the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award in 1995. He has also won a couple of BAFTA Scotland Awards for his performance in Hancock and Joan and The Missing. Ken Stott achieved international recognition after portraying Balin in the Hobbit film series.

 16 
Mark Bonnar
(Actor)
Mark Bonnar
4
Birthdate: November 19, 1968
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 17 
Alastair Sim
(Actor)
Alastair Sim
4
Birthdate: October 9, 1900
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: August 19, 1976
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 18 
James Boswell
(Best Known for His Biography of His Friend and Older Contemporary the English Writer 'Samuel Johnson')
James Boswell
2
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: October 29, 1740
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Died: May 19, 1795

Best known for his biography of his friend Samuel Johnson, 18th-century biographer and diarist James Boswell was also a qualified lawyer. Know for his reckless lifestyle and his trysts with prostitutes, he had contracted gonorrhea and had also fathered many children, including two illegitimate ones.

 19 
Irvine Welsh
(Scottish Novelist and Playwright Best Known for His 1993 Novel 'Trainspotting')
Irvine Welsh
3
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: September 27, 1958
Sun Sign: Libra

Best known for his cult novel Trainspotting, which depicted the lives of Scottish heroin addicts and was made into a film by Danny Boyle, Scottish author Irvine Welsh has also written in the Edinburgh Scots dialect. He also boasts of an MBA degree and has worked in his country’s housing department.

 20 
Georgia King
(Scottish Actress)
Georgia King
4
Birthdate: November 18, 1986
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Daughter of actor Jonathan Hyde and operatic soprano Isobel Buchanan, Georgia King initially worked at a cheese shop. She almost lost out on her debut role in Jane Eyre due to an appendix operation. Fans loved her in the series The New Normal and Vice Principals.
 21 
John Leslie
(TV Presenter)
John Leslie
3
Birthdate: February 22, 1965
Sun Sign: Pisces

Best known for his stint on the BBC One show Blue Peter, Scottish presenter John Leslie initially studied music and even worked as a DJ. He began his TV career with the Music Box show Formula One. He has repeatedly been accused of sexual assault but has always been cleared.

 22 
Emun Elliott
3
Birthdate: November 28, 1983
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Born to a Persian father and a Scottish mother, actor Emun Mohammedi, better known as Emun Elliott, had dropped out of a literature degree course to join the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. He later soared to fame with series such as Paradox and movies such as Prometheus.

 23 
Ian Charleson
(Scottish actor)
Ian Charleson
2
Birthdate: August 11, 1949
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: January 6, 1990
 24 
Chloe Pirrie
(Scottish Actress)
Chloe Pirrie
3
Birthdate: August 25, 1987
Sun Sign: Virgo

Scottish actress Chloe Pirrie rose to fame with her role in the miniseries, The Game. Since then, she has appeared in several TV shows and films, playing versatile roles. She began acting in school and graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She won the Most Promising Newcomer at the British Independent Film Awards 2013.

 25 
Ian Richardson
(Actor)
Ian Richardson
3
Birthdate: April 7, 1934
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: February 9, 2007
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 26 
Edwyn Collins
(musician, guitarist, songwriter)
Edwyn Collins
1
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: August 23, 1959
Sun Sign: Virgo
 27 
Marie Stopes
(Paleobotanist & Women’s Rights Activists)
Marie Stopes
4
Birthdate: October 15, 1880
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: October 2, 1958

Apart from being a successful botanist, Marie Stopes was also a popular activist, known for her contribution to the feminist cause. A leading supporter of birth control, she established the UK’s first clinic for family planning. She was also known for her books Married Love and Wise Parenthood.

 28 
Graeme Souness
(Scottish Former Professional Football Player and Manager)
Graeme Souness
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 6, 1953
Sun Sign: Taurus
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 29 
James Hutton
(Geologist)
James Hutton
2
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: June 3, 1726
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: March 26, 1797

The pioneer of modern geology, James Hutton laid down the principle of uniformitarianism in geology. While he was initially interested in chemistry, he had later also studied law and had then moved on to medicine. His iconic Theory of the Earth explained the science behind rock formations.

 30 
Gavin Hastings
(Rugby union player)
Gavin Hastings
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 3, 1962
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 31 
Ewen Bremner
(Actor)
Ewen Bremner
3
Birthdate: January 23, 1972
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 32 
Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig
(British Army Officer Who Commanded the 'British Expeditionary Force' During 'World War I')
Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig
3
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: June 19, 1861
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: January 29, 1928

Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig was a British Army officer best remembered for his service as the commander of the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front during the First World War. He also commanded forces during the Battle of Arras, the Battle of the Somme, the Third Battle of Ypres, the Hundred Days Offensive, and the German Spring Offensive.

 33 
Lindsay Duncan
(Actress Best Known for Her Performances in ‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses’ and ‘Private Lives’)
Lindsay Duncan
5
Birthdate: November 7, 1950
Sun Sign: Scorpio

Scottish actor Lindsay Duncan is known for her Tony- and Olivier Award-winning role in Private Lives. She came to be known as the star of many plays by playwright Harold Pinter. On TV, she has also played Barbara Douglas in G.B.H. and Servilia of the Junii in Rome.

 34 
Mike Scott
(Basketball Player)
Mike Scott
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 16, 1988
Sun Sign: Cancer
Height: 6'8" (203 cm)
 35 
Tommy Armour
(Scottish-American Professional Golfer)
Tommy Armour
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 24, 1896
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: September 11, 1968

Tommy Armour was a Scottish-American golfer who won 25 PGA Tour events, including three major championships. After his retirement, Armour established himself as a teacher and is credited with teaching future golfers like Lawson Little and Babe Didrikson Zaharias. Tommy Armour even co-wrote an influential book titled How to Play Your Best Golf All the Time, which became a best-seller.

 36 
Craig Gordon
(Footballer)
Craig Gordon
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 31, 1982
Sun Sign: Capricorn
 37 
Davey Johnstone
(Singer, Banjoist, Mandolinist, Guitarist, Songwriter)
Davey Johnstone
1
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: May 6, 1951
Sun Sign: Taurus
 38 
Mike Scott
(Scottish Singer, Songwriter and Musician)
Mike Scott
1
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: December 14, 1958
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
 39 
Philip Kerr
(British Author Best Known for His Bernie Gunther Series of Historical Detective Thrillers)
Philip Kerr
0
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: February 22, 1956
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: March 23, 2018

Philip Kerr is best remembered for his 13 historical thrillers, clubbed as the Bernie Gunther series, and the children’s series Children of the Lamp, which he penned under the pseudonym P.B. Kerr. He wrote porn stories as a 12-year-old and later also worked as an ad copywriter.

 40 
James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell
(Nobleman)
James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell
3
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: 1534 AD
Died: April 14, 1578
 41 
Gail Porter
(Scottish Television Personality, Former Model & Actress)
Gail Porter
4
Birthdate: March 23, 1971
Sun Sign: Aries

While she initially presented family and children’s shows, Gail Porter stunned everyone when a nude photo of her, which was part of an FHM campaign, was projected on the British Houses of Parliament. She was later diagnosed with alopecia and worked with charities to raise awareness about the condition.

 42 
Kirsty Gallacher
(TV Presenter who has co-presented The Great British Breakfast on GB News since June 2021)
Kirsty Gallacher
3
Birthdate: January 20, 1976
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 43 
A. A. Gill
(Journalist)
A. A. Gill
2
Birthdate: June 28, 1954
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: December 10, 2016
 44 
Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville
(British Advocate, Independent Whig Politician and Former Secretary of State for War (1794 - 1801))
Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville
0
Listed In: Lawyers & Judges
Birthdate: April 28, 1742
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: May 28, 1811

His mastery of Scottish politics earned Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville the nickname King Harry the Ninth. Apart from serving as the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Secretary of State for War, he also played a significant role in the British expansion in India. He was also a successful lawyer initially.

 45 
John Law
(economist, banker, statistician)
John Law
3
Birthdate: April 21, 1671
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: March 21, 1729

John Law was a Scottish economist best remembered for his work as Controller General of Finances under the Regent of the Kingdom of France, Philippe II, Duke of Orléans. Law is credited with founding Banque Générale Privée, the first financial organization to pioneer the use of paper money. Law is also credited with originating ideas like the real bills doctrine.

 46 
KT Tunstall
(Musician and Singer-Songwriter)
KT Tunstall
5
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: June 23, 1975
Sun Sign: Cancer

KT Tunstall is a Scottish musician and singer-songwriter. She came into prominence in 2004, when she performed Black Horse and the Cherry Tree in a music TV show called Later... with Jools Holland. KT Tunstall is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the European Border Breakers Award, Ivor Novello Award, Scottish Style Award, and Brit Award.

 47 
Malcolm Rifkind
(Politician)
Malcolm Rifkind
1
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: June 21, 1946
Sun Sign: Gemini
 48 
Nina Nesbitt
(Musician, Singer, Songwriter)
Nina Nesbitt
26
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: July 11, 1994
Sun Sign: Cancer
 49 
Catriona Matthew
(Scottish Professional Golfer)
Catriona Matthew
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 25, 1969
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 50 
Ken Buchanan
(Scottish Professional Boxer Who Became the Undisputed World Lightweight Champion)
Ken Buchanan
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 28, 1945
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: April 1, 2023