Famous Scottish Sportspersons

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Scotland has produced a large number of sports stars who have time and again done the country proud with their victories and accomplishments. Interestingly, sport in Scotland is very popular and varied. Right from athletics to soccer, golf to snooker, cycling to boxing and racing to rugby, Scottish people indulge in all forms of sports. While the list of sportsperson from Scotland is quite huge and extensive, there are a notable few who have created a niche for themselves with their playing style, technique and achievements. And it is to these great Scottish sporting legends that we have this section for. When Andrew Watson played international football, he created history by becoming the first black player to ever do so. He was the first black professional footballer and the first to play in football league. World’s no. 2 tennis champion Andy Murray’s victories and career titles made him join the ranks of the greatest Scottish sporting giants. Sir Alex created history by becoming the most successful British football manager with his 48 trophies. Apart from men, Scootish women too have left an indelible mark on Scot sports. Catriona Matthews is amongst the world’s best known female golfers. Liz McColgan’s achievement on track as a middle and long distance road runner athlete is highly commendable. Know more about the achievements and victories of famous Scottish sportsperson with the biographies given below.
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 1 
Andy Murray
(One of the Best Tennis Players in the World)
Andy Murray
23
Birthdate: May 5, 1987
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland

One of the best British professional tennis players of all time, Andy Murray is popularly known as the Great Scot since he was born in Scotland. He is the only tennis player to have won two Olympic gold medals in singles competition. Also known for his charitable work, Andy Murray has played key roles in raising money for many charity organizations.

 2 
Colin McRae
(Scottish Rally Driver: The First British Driver to Win the World Rally Championship Drivers' Title)
Colin McRae
6
Birthdate: August 5, 1968
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lanark, Scotland
Died: September 15, 2007

Colin McRae was a British rally driver who won the British Rally Championship title in 1991 and 1992. In 1995, he became the youngest person and the first British driver to win the World Rally Championship Drivers' title. Colin McRae's career was cut short by his sudden demise in 2007 when he was killed in a helicopter crash. 

 3 
Drew McIntyre
(Scottish Professional Wrestler)
Drew McIntyre
9
Birthdate: June 6, 1985
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Ayr, Scotland
 4 
Andrew Robertson
(association football player)
Andrew Robertson
6
Birthdate: March 11, 1994
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Glasgow

Liverpool left-back and the captain of the Scottish national football team, Andrew Robertson has also been associated with clubs such as Hull City and Dundee United in the past. He led his team to a UEFA Champions League victory in 2019. He now also runs a charitable foundation for underprivileged kids.

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 5 
Alex Ferguson
(One of the Greatest Football Managers of All Time)
Alex Ferguson
21
Birthdate: December 31, 1941
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Alex Ferguson is known for his 26-year tenure as the manager of the football club Manchester United, from 1986 to 2013. He won 38 trophies with the club, including 13 Premier League titles. The first English Football Hall of Fame inductee, Ferguson has also received the knighthood
 6 
Graeme Souness
(Scottish Former Professional Football Player and Manager)
Graeme Souness
5
Birthdate: May 6, 1953
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
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 7 
Nikki Cross
(Scottish Professional Wrestler)
Nikki Cross
25
Birthdate: April 21, 1989
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland

Known as Nikki Cross and Nikki A.S.H., Scottish wrestler Nicola Glencross had been a 3-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion. She is best known for her victory at the 2021 Money in the Bank Ladder Match. She has a master’s degree in history and is also a certified fitness trainer.

 8 
Kenny Dalglish
(Scottish Former Football Player and Manager)
Kenny Dalglish
7
Birthdate: March 4, 1951
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
 9 
David Moyes
(Scottish Professional Football Manager and Former Player)
David Moyes
12
Birthdate: April 25, 1963
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Scottish footballer and coach David Moyes had a 19-year playing stint as a center-back for football teams such as Celtic, Preston North End, and Bristol City. He currently manages the Premier League club West Ham United and has been named the League Managers Association Manager of the Year thrice. 
 10 
Eric Liddell
(Scottish Sprinter, Rugby Player and Olympic Gold Medalist)
Eric Liddell
6
Birthdate: January 16, 1902
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Tianjin, China
Died: February 21, 1945

Eric Liddell was a Scottish athlete who won a gold medal in 400 meters race at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. In his later years, he became a Christian missionary. Though he was of Scottish origin, he was born in China, where he spent most of his life and died eventually.

 11 
Stephen Hendry
(Scottish Professional Snooker Player)
Stephen Hendry
5
Birthdate: January 13, 1969
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: South Queensferry, Scotland
 12 
Denis Law
(Scottish Former Footballer Who Played as a Forward)
Denis Law
5
Birthdate: February 24, 1940
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bucksburn, Aberdeen, Scotland

After representing teams such as Manchester City and Torino, Scottish footballer Denis Law had a successful stint with Manchester United. Known as The King, he was the only Scottish footballer to earn a Ballon d'Or and the only man to have 2 statues at the Old Trafford.

 13 
Bill Shankly
(Scottish Football Player and Manager)
Bill Shankly
7
Birthdate: September 2, 1913
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Glenbuck, Ayrshire, Scotland
Died: September 29, 1981
Bill Shankly is remembered as the man who pulled Liverpool from nowhere and catapulted it to popularity, with wins such as the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup. It is believed he died a sad man, not being allowed to be on the Liverpool board after retiring as a coach.
 14 
Paul Lambert
(Football manager, Former Footballer midfielder)
Paul Lambert
4
Birthdate: August 7, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
 15 
Chris Hoy
(Former Scottish Track Cyclist)
Chris Hoy
3
Birthdate: March 23, 1976
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland

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.

 16 
Ryan Fraser
(Scottish Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Winger)
Ryan Fraser
3
Birthdate: February 24, 1994
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Aberdeen, Scotland

Scottish footballer and Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser began his career with Aberdeen at age 16. He has previously been part of teams such as AFC Bournemouth and Ipswich Town but has often been criticized for his lack of will to represent the Scottish national team, for withdrawing due to injuries.

 17 
John Higgins
(Snooker player who has won 31 career ranking titles, putting him in third place on the all-time list behind O'Sullivan (38) and Hendry (36))
John Higgins
3
Birthdate: May 18, 1975
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, Scotland
 18 
Gordon Strachan
(Scottish Former Football Coach and Player)
Gordon Strachan
3
Birthdate: February 9, 1957
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland

Gordon Strachan is a Scottish football coach who has managed teams like Southampton Football Club, Middlesbrough Football Club, Celtic Football Club, and Scotland. A former player, Strachan represented his team in two FIFA World Cups. He also played for popular clubs like Manchester United.

 19 
Alan Hansen
(Scottish Former Football Player Who Played as a Central Defender)
Alan Hansen
3
Birthdate: June 13, 1955
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Sauchie, Clackmannanshire, Scotland

Alan Hansen is a former footballer who played as a defender for popular clubs, such as Liverpool. He was also one of the important members of the Scotland national football team. After retiring as a player, Hansen became a football pundit and is known for his honest views. In 2006, he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.

 20 
Steve Clarke
(Football player)
Steve Clarke
4
Birthdate: August 29, 1963
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Saltcoats,Scotland

Hailing from the small town of Saltcoats in Scotland, footballer Steve Clarke later grew up to play for teams such as Chelsea and St. Mirren. Post-retirement, he has coached teams such as Newcastle United and Liverpool, part from the Scottish national team. He is known for his no-nonsense, reserved nature.

 21 
James McCarthy
(association football player)
James McCarthy
3
Birthdate: November 12, 1990
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Glasgow

Scottish-born footballer James McCarthy is now best known as a dependable Celtic midfielder. He also represents the Irish national team, because his grandparents were Irish. He has previously won an FA Cup with Wigan Athletic, beating Manchester City, and has also played for the English club Everton.

 22 
Martin Compston
(Actor Best Known for Playing Detective Inspector 'Steve Arnott' in the BBC Drama 'Line of Duty')
Martin Compston
6
Birthdate: May 8, 1984
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland

Martin Compston began his career as a footballer, playing as a defender for youth teams such as Aberdeen and then for senior teams such as Greenock Morton. However, an audition in high school led him to the lead role in the movie Sweet Sixteen, and he ended up becoming an actor.

 23 
Ally McCoist
(Scottish Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Striker)
Ally McCoist
4
Birthdate: September 24, 1962
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Bellshill, Scotland

Apart from winning the European Golden Boot twice, Scottish footballer Ally McCoist also gained fame as one of the best penalty-box strikers. He is best known for his 9 League Championship wins and 9 Scottish League Cups with the Rangers. He was also part of the 1990 World Cup finals.

 24 
Matt Busby
(Scottish Football Player and Manager Who Managed 'Manchester United' Between 1945 and 1969)
Matt Busby
4
Birthdate: May 26, 1909
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Bellshill, Scotland
Died: January 20, 1994

After an illustrious career that saw him play for teams such as Manchester City and Liverpool, Matt Busby did wonders as a manager, director, and president of Manchester United. The Scottish footballer also developed players later known as the Busby Babes, 8 of whom tragically died in the 1958 Munich air crash.

 25 
Scott Arfield
(Association football player)
Scott Arfield
3
Birthdate: November 1, 1988
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Livingston

Scottish-born footballer Scott Arfield has not only gained fame as a Rangers midfielder but has also been a promising player of the Canadian national team. He began his senior career with the Scottish club Falkirk and then represented clubs such as Burnley and Huddersfield Town. He has also captained Canada.

 26 
Kay Lee Ray
(Scottish Professional Wrestler)
Kay Lee Ray
6
Birthdate: August 11, 1992
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Paisley, Scotland
WWE wrestler Kayleigh Rae, better known by her pseudonym, Kay Lee Ray, is as much known for her wrestling skills as for her scarlet hair. While she calls herself The Forever Champion, she has been an ICW Women’s champion three times, apart from being the longest-reigning NXT UK Women's champion.
 27 
Luke Stoltman
(Scottish Professional Strongman)
Luke Stoltman
3
Birthdate: November 22, 1984
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Invergordon, Scotland
 28 
Judy Murray
(Tennis coach from Scotland who became the captain of the British Fed Cup team in 2011)
Judy Murray
4
Birthdate: September 8, 1959
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, Scotland

Apart from being the mother of tennis players Andy and Jamie Murray, Judy Murray is also a celebrated tennis coach and had initially coached both her sons. A talented tennis player in her youth, she now owns a charity, too. She was also seen in the dance reality show Strictly Come Dancing.

 29 
Duncan Ferguson
(Scottish Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Striker)
Duncan Ferguson
5
Birthdate: December 27, 1971
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Stirling, Scotland
Starting his professional football career with Dundee United, Scottish footballer/coach Duncan Ferguson later moved on to clubs such as Everton, Newcastle United, and Rangers. With the Rangers, he received a record transfer fee. His aggression on field later spilled on his off-the-field life, leading to multiple convictions for assault.
 30 
Eilish McColgan
(Scottish Middle and Long-Distance Runner)
Eilish McColgan
3
Birthdate: November 25, 1990
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Dundee, Scotland

Eilish McColgan is a British middle-distance athlete. She competes in the 3000 meters steeplechase and 5000 meters. She represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2016 Olympic Games. She won the Great South Run in Portsmouth in 2018. She has a degree in mathematics and accountancy from the University of Dundee. 

 31 
Colin Montgomerie
(Golfer)
Colin Montgomerie
3
Birthdate: June 23, 1963
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Glasgow
 32 
Alex Neil
(association football player, association football manager)
Alex Neil
3
Birthdate: June 9, 1981
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Bellshill

Former footballer Alex Neil began his career with the Airdrieonians and ended it with Hamilton Academical, even coaching the latter in his managerial career. He then took over the coaching of Norwich in his early 30s, and in his own words, made some recruitment errors, which led to his sacking.

 33 
Charlie Adam
(Scottish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Charlie Adam
3
Birthdate: December 10, 1985
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Fintry, Dundee, Scotland

Initially representing teams such as the Rangers and Blackpool, Charlie Adam later gained fame as a midfielder for teams such as Liverpool, Stoke City, and Dundee. He also won a League Cup with Liverpool and was a UEFA Cup runner-up with the Rangers. His father, too, was a footballer.

 34 
Young Tom Morris
(Golfer)
Young Tom Morris
3
Birthdate: April 20, 1851
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: St. Andrews, Scotland
Died: December 25, 1875
 35 
John Fleck
(association football player)
John Fleck
3
Birthdate: August 24, 1991
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Glasgow

Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck was a 16-year-old prodigy when he began his senior career with Rangers. In late 2021, he collapsed on field during a game versus Reading, sparking rumors that the mishap was due to the COVID vaccine that he had taken, though scientists debunked the vaccine claim later.

 36 
Oliver Burke
(Association football player)
Oliver Burke
4
Birthdate: April 7, 1997
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Kirkcaldy, Scotland

Scottish footballer Oliver Burke, who is now a well-know striker/right winger for Sheffield United, had joined his first local club at age 8. While he grew up in Leicestershire, England, he was eligible to play for England as well but chose to represent Scotland, the country of his birth, instead.

 37 
Liam Cooper
(Association football player)
Liam Cooper
3
Birthdate: August 30, 1991
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Kingston upon Hull

A Leeds United center-back, footballer Liam Cooper also plays for the Scottish national team. Apart from winning an EFL Championship with Leeds United, he has also been part of the 2014 Football League Trophy final with Chesterfield. He now also owns a football academy for children aged 4 to 14.

 38 
Katherine Grainger
(Rower)
Katherine Grainger
3
Birthdate: November 12, 1975
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
 39 
Josh Taylor
(Boxer)
Josh Taylor
1
Birthdate: January 2, 1991
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Prestonpans, Scotland, United Kingdom
 40 
Joanne Calderwood
(Scottish Professional Mixed Martial Artist and Kickboxer)
Joanne Calderwood
3
Birthdate: December 23, 1986
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Irvine, Scotland

Scottish MMA fighter and Muay Thai champion Joanne Calderwood now competes for the UFC Women's Flyweight division. She was placed sixth on the UFC women's flyweight rankings in January 2021 and second on the World Professional Muaythai Federation rankings. She has also fought in India's Super Fight League.

 41 
George Graham
(association football player, association football manager)
George Graham
3
Birthdate: November 30, 1944
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Glasgow

One of England’s most successful footballers, George Graham has also been one of his country’s best coaches. Nicknamed Stroller, he won a Football League Cup with Chelsea and an FA League Cup with Arsenal, as a player. He has earned an FA Cup and three League Cups as a manager, too.

 42 
Jamie Gillan
(American Football player)
Jamie Gillan
3
Birthdate: July 4, 1997
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Inverness, Scotland

Scottish-born Jamie Gillan, now an American football player for the NFL team Buffalo Bills, has previously played with the Cleveland Browns. He apparently got addicted to the game after moving to the US, where his RAF member father was stationed. Nicknamed The Scottish Hammer, he is known for his fun-loving nature.

 43 
Piper Niven
(Scottish Professional Wrestler)
Piper Niven
5
Birthdate: May 6, 1991
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Ayrshire, Scotland

WWE wrestler Kimberly Benson, better known by her multiple ring names, such as Piper Niven, Doudrop, and Viper, initially hid her passion for wrestling, afraid that her friends would judge her for liking a “manly” sport. She later won many titles and has been the ICW Women's Champion twice.

 44 
Ryan Gauld
(Association football player)
Ryan Gauld
4
Birthdate: December 16, 1995
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Aberdeen

Scottish footballer and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Gauld has also played for various Portuguese clubs before moving to the Canadian MLS club. Known as the Scottish Messi for his attacking style and short stature, he has also had a successful youth career at Dundee United.

 45 
Danny MacAskill
(Scottish Trials Cyclist)
Danny MacAskill
3
Birthdate: December 23, 1985
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Skye, Scotland

Danny MacAskill is a Scottish professional mountain bike trial cyclist who works for Santa Cruz Bicycles. MacAskill, who achieved popularity after showcasing his skills on YouTube, went on to feature in several commercials and promotional videos for brands like Leica Camera. Danny MacAskill is also credited for performing the stunts in the 2012 American action thriller film Premium Rush.

 46 
Derek McInnes
(Association football player, Association football manager)
Derek McInnes
4
Birthdate: July 5, 1971
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Paisley

Former footballer Derek McInnes began his youth career as a teen with the Greenock Morton and then went on to play for clubs such as Rangers, Dundee United, and St. Johnstone, and even for the Scottish national team. Post-retirement, he has been managing teams such as Aberdeen and Kilmarnock.

 47 
Tommy Docherty
(Scottish Football Player and Manager of Manchester United Between 1972 and 1977)
Tommy Docherty
3
Birthdate: April 24, 1928
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Died: December 31, 2020
 48 
Kris Boyd
(Association football player)
Kris Boyd
4
Birthdate: August 18, 1983
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Irvine

Former footballer Kris Boyd gained fame as a forward, known for his strike rate, for teams such as Kilmarnock and Rangers. He has also represented the Scottish national team. Following his brother’s unexplained suicide in his late 20s, Boyd launched a charity to help people discuss mental-health issues.

 49 
Laura Muir
(Scottish Middle- And Long-Distance Runner)
Laura Muir
1
Birthdate: May 9, 1993
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Inverness, Scotland

Scottish runner Laura Muir scripted history by becoming the first athlete to earn 2 golds at 2 consecutive events at any European Indoor Championship. Not known to many, she is also a trained vet. She also won a silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Surprisingly, her clean diet bars coffee.

 50 
Tony Watt
(Association football player)
Tony Watt
3
Birthdate: December 29, 1993
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Coatbridge

Motherwell forward Tony Watt is best known for his successful stint with Celtic, with whom he played in the 2012-13 Scottish Premier League. He has also represented the Scottish national team. In late 2021, he signed a pre-contract deal with Dundee United, promising a 3-year stint with them in future.