Nemo me impune lacessit *
Scots who have made their Mark
at home and abroad
Some More Examples: part II
.
Sir Robert McAlpine (1847 - 1934)
Known as "Concrete Bob", he as an entrepreneur built up a large
building and civil engineering firm. McAlpine was also a pioneer
in the use of concrete and labour-saving machinery. He left school
at 10 to work in a coal mine, but went on to build roads and public
buildings including Wembley Stadium in London.
John McAdam (1756 - 1836)
Surveyor and builder of roads. Developed the process of
"Macadamisation" which involves covering a road with small
broken stones to form a hard surface. This led to tarmacadam
(or tarmac), which is still used to cover roads today.
Lord MacBeth (c.1005 - 1057)
The last of Scotland's Gaelic Kings. Grandson of Malcolm II. Although best known as
the character in William Shakespeare's play of the same name, in reality he could not
have been more different. from this villainous portrayal. Mac Bethad mac Findláich
was born in around 1005. His father was Finlay, Mormaer of Moray, and his mother
may have been Donada, second daughter of Malcolm II. A 'mormaer' was literally a
high steward of one of the ancient Celtic provinces of Scotland. In 1040 he became
king after defeating Duncan I, in battle near Elgin in Moray,
Flora MacDonald (1722 - 1790)
Native of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, she helped Bonnie
Prince Charlie to safety following the failed rebellion of 1745. She
later emigrated to North Carolina and was active recruiting Scots
to fight for the British in the American War of Independence.
Sir John Alexander MacDonald (1815 - 1891)
First Prime Minister of Canada. Born in Glasgow, died in
Ottawa, Canada. He was central to bringing about the
confederation of Canada (1867) and the construction of
the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Kirkpatrick Macmillan (1813 - 1878)
Invented the bicycle in 1839, but never
patented it so it was therefore widely copied.
A Glasgow newspaper reported in 1842 in
which a "gentleman from Dumfries-shire...
bestride a velocipede... of ingenious design"
knocked over a pedestrian in the Gorbals and
was fined five shillings
replica of Macmillian’s bicycle
Rob Roy MacGregor (1671 - 1734)
Notorious cattle thief and Jacobite
Guerilla. Walter Scott much
exaggerated MacGregor's fame,
painting him as a defender of the
Highland way of life.
Sir Alexander
Mackenzie
(1764 - 1820)
Born on the Isle of Lewis.
Emigrated to Cananda and
worked as a fur trader. The
first to journey down the
river which bears his name as part of his overland
crossing of Canada to reach the Pacific Ocean in
1793. This was the first east to west crossing of
North America north of Mexico and predated the
Lewis and Clark expedition by 10 years.
Charles Mackintosh
(1766 - 1843)
Inventor and Entrepreneur. By
applying naptha to rubber
sheeting strengthened by cloth
he invented the fabric for the
rain-coat which bears his name.
Sir Patrick Manson (1844 - 1922)
Born in Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire, he was a pioneer of Tropical
Medicine, developing it as a distinct field of study. Showed that Malaria
was carried by mosquito, and also did valuable research on sleeping
sickness and beri-beri.
Saint Margaret (c. 1045 - 1093)
An English princess of the House of Wessex, born in exile in Hungary, she was the
sister of Edgar Ætheling, the short-ruling and uncrowned Anglo-Saxon King of
England. She and her brother fled to Scotland after the 1066 Conquest where she
captured the heart of Malcolm III. As queen consort she re-founded the monastery
on the Island of Iona (originally founded by Saint Columba) and built an abbey at
Dunfermline, where she was buried. Canonized by Pope Innocent IV in 1251.
Mary, Queen of Scots (1542 - 1587)
Last Roman Catholic monarch of Scotland. Although remembered as a heroic figure, she
was a poor ruler, lacking the political acumen of her cousin Queen Elizabeth I of
England. After religious disputes with John Knox and political intrigue involving her
nobles, she was imprisoned and forced to abdicate in 1567 in favour of her son James VI.
She was eventually executed for treason.
James Clerk Maxwell (1831 - 1879)
Mathematician and Physicist. Contributed significantly to the study of
electro-magnetism and prepared the way for quantum physics. Ranks
along with Newton and Einstein as one of the World's greatest
physicists.
Andrew Meikle (1719 - 1811)
Inventor of the threshing machine., a device used to
remove the outer husks from grains of wheat. He
assisted Firbeck in the invention of the Rotherham
Plough and also invented windmill 'Spring sails',
allowing windmill sails to be quickly and safely
controlled in the event of a storm.
Alexander Monro (Primus) (1697 - 1767)
Anatomist and Professor of Anatomy at the University of Edinburgh. Founder of
the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and established Edinburgh as a major centre of
medical teaching and research. He was succeeded in the Chair of Anatomy by his
son and grandson (who shared the same name) a lineage which spanned 126 years.
Alexander Monro (Secundus) (1733 - 1817)
Anatomist. Succeeded his father as Professor of Anatomy at the University of
Edinburgh. Discovered the lymphatic systems, established the structure and
function of the nervous system and noted the physiological effects of drugs.
John Muir (1834 - 1914)
Naturalist and Conservationist,
born in Dunbar. Founder of the
U.S. National Park system and
regarded as the father of
the modern environmental
movement.
William Murdock (1754 - 1839)
Engineer and inventor of coal-gas
lighting in 1792. Born in Ayrshire.
Murdoch also made innovations to
the steam engine, including the sun
and planet gear and D slide valve.
John Napier (1550 - 1617)
Mathematician and Astronomer. Devised "Napier's Rods" or "Napier's Bones" which
permitted easy multiplication by addition, and this led to him defining the concept of
logarithms. He improved Simon Stevin's decimal notation. Both these innovations
opened the way for later scientific advances, in astronomy, dynamics, and other areas
of physics.
James Nasmyth (1808 - 1890)
Born in Edinburgh and youngest son of the emminent landscape artist,
Alexander Nasmyth. Started a foundry business and became a pioneer
in the design and building of steam-powered machine tools, such as the
steam hammer, planing machine, pile-driver, steam lathe etc.
James Beaumont Neilson (1792 - 1865)
Invented the hot blast oven, which was a great advance in the iron industry.
His process reduced the amount of coal needed to produce iron, and greatly
increased efficiency to satisfy the demands of the railway and shipbuilding
industries.
Saint Ninian (c. 360 - 432)
The first known Christian missionary
in Scotland. Perhaps born in
Northumbria (England) he lived on
the shores of the Solway Firth, where
he founded a mission.
David Niven (1909 - 1983)
Kirriemuir-born actor.
Appeared in many film roles
and was paradoxically
regarded by many americans
as the archetypal englishman!
Richard Noble (1946 - )
Holder of the world land speed record. Born in Edinburgh. Noble became
the fastest man on earth in 1983 in the Nevada desert reaching 633 mph.
He went on to lead the Thrust SSC team, which broke the speed of sound
reaching 763 mph in 1997.
Robert Dale Owen (1801 - 1877)
Scottish-born U.S. social reformer and anti-slavery campainer. Son of
Robert Owen (founder of the co-operative movement) and grandson of
David Dale. In 1825, he accompanied his father to set up the New
Harmony colony in Indiana. Entered the U.S. congress in 1843. U.S.
Ambassador to India (1853 - 1858).
Mungo Park (1771 - 1806)
Explorer. He mapped large
areas of the interior of Africa
for the first time, determined
the course of the Niger and
died trying to find its source.
Saint Patrick (c. 410 - c.450)
The Patron Saint of Ireland. He is
said to have been born near
Kirkpatrick on the River Clyde.
Went to Ireland in 432.
Allan Pinkerton (1819 - 1884)
U.S. detective, born in the Gorbals, Glasgow. Left Scotland hurriedly in
1842, following his involvement in left-wing protests. In 1852, he formed
the first detective agency, in Chicago, which solved a series of train
robberies. In 1861, he foiled an assassination plot in Baltimore, while
guarding Abraham Lincoln (the U.S. President) on his way to his
inauguration. Head of the U.S. Secret Service 1861 - 1862.
Sir William Ramsay (1852 - 1916)
Chemist. Ramsay was born in Glasgow and became Professor of Chemistry at
Bristol and then University College, London. Chiefly responsible for the discovery
of the rare gases Helium, Argon, Neon, Krypton and Xenon. Also worked in radio-
activity. He spread scientific interest to other parts of the British Empire, including
setting up the Indian Institute for Science at Bangalore.
John Rennie (1761 - 1801)
Engineer, born in Phantassie, East Lothian. Began his career in agricultural land
improvement. Went on to build docks from Wick to Torquay, including the London
and East India docks. Also in London, the Southwark, Waterloo and London
Bridges (the latter is now re-erected in Arizona). Buried in St. Paul's Cathedral.
Sir James Clark Ross (1800 - 1862)
Antarctic Explorer. Claimed Antarctica for Queen Victoria in
1841. Named the twin Antarctic volcanoes after his ships Erebus
and Terror. Gave his name to the Ross Sea, Ross Island, Ross Ice
Shelf and Ross Dependency.
Robert Falcon Scott (1868 – 1912)
A Royal Naval officer and Antarctic explorer. In the so-called 'Race to
the South Pole' Scott came second, behind the Norwegian Roald
Amundsen; and subsequently died, along with four companions, whilst
trying to return to the safety of their base. Scott has become the most
famous, and tragic, hero of the "heroic age" of Antarctic exploration.
Sir Peter Markham Scott (1909 – 1989)
Only son of Robert Falcon Scott, was an ornithologist, conservationist, painter, naval
officer and sportsman. Scott was knighted in 1973 for his contribution to the
conservation of wild animals. He had been a founder of the World Wide Fund for
Nature, founded the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (November 1946), and was an
influence on international conservation. He received the WWF Gold Medal and the J.
Paul Getty Prize for his work.
Sir Walter Scott (1771 - 1832)
Great Scottish patriot, writer and poet. Educated at the Old High School in
Edinburgh, studied Law at the University of Edinburgh and became an advocate.
He did much towards identifying and nurturing a Scottish cultural identity. His
literary works include the Waverley Novels and many remain classics of English
language literature. Famous titles include Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, The Lady of the
lake, Waverley, The Heart of Midlothian and The Bride of Lammermoor.
John Duns Scotus (1265 - 1308)
Philosopher and Theologian. Born in Duns,
Berwickshire, educated at Balliol College,
Oxford. Renowned for his scepticism, which
led to the word "Dunses" or "Dunces" being
used to describe those who were regarded as
not being very clever. Beatified in 1993
Alexander Selkirk (1676 - 1721)
Seaman, Privateer and Castaway. Born
in the fishing village of Lower Largo in
Fife. Selkirk was the model for Daniel
Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" (published
1719), having lived for more than four
years on the uninhabited island of Juan
Fernandez.
Sir Robert Sibbald (1641 - 1722)
Born in Edinburgh, educated at the High
School and Edinburgh University.
Established the first botanical garden in
the city. Founded the Royal College of
Physicians. Was also Cartographer-Royal
for Scotland.
Sir James Young Simpson (1811 - 1870)
Obstetrician, and son of a baker. Pioneer in the use of anaesthetics, particularly
chloroform, developing its use in surgery and midwifery. He championed its use
against medical and religious opposition. Queen Victoria used chloroform during
child-birth, and this brought general acceptance. Also pioneered obstetric techniques
and responsible for much reform of hospital practice. He improved the design of
obstetric forceps known to this day as "Simpson's Forceps".
Adam Smith (1723 - 1790)
One of the key figures of the Scottish Enlightenment, he is
considered "the father of modern economics". His book "Inquiry
into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations" was the
corner-stone of the concept of political economy. Born in Kirkaldy,
he was a professor at the University of Glasgow
Robert Louis Stevenson
(1850 - 1894)
His works included
"Kidnapped" and "Treasure
Island". Suffered from poor
health and died in Samoa.
Andy Stewart (1933 - 1994)
Comedian and Singer. Perhaps best known
for his Scottish TV show "The White
Heather Club" which began in 1960 and his
songs such as ""Donald where's yer
troosers?" and "A Scottish Soldier".
Jackie Stewart (1939 - )
Racing car driver, who won the
World Championship three
times, turned Olympic clay
pigeon shooter. In 1997,
Dugald Stewart (1753 - 1828)
Published "Outlines of Moral
Philosophy". A follower of the
Common-Sense Philosophy, he
systematised the doctrine of
the Scottish School, allowing full share to
psychological considerations.
together with his son, he launched his own Formula One
motor racing team. He was born in Dumbarton.
Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) (1720 - 1788)
The "Young Pretender", grandson of James VII of Scotland (James II of England), who
was exiled by William of Orange. The french-backed Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 was
intended to restore him to the throne, but ended in disarray and bloody defeat at
Culloden (in 1746). He escaped to France with the help of Flora MacDonald and lived
comfortably in exile. He died, despondent and a drunk, and is buried in St. Peter's, Rome
William Symington (1763 - 1831)
Engineer and builder of the first practical
steamboat, the Charlotte Dundas. The first
sailing was on the Forth and Clyde Canal on 4
January 1803 The American, Robert Fulton, was
present at the trials of the Charlotte Dundas and
was intrigued by the potential of the steamboat.
Thomas Telford (1757 - 1834)
Engineer, native of Dumfriesshire. Notable as builder of many roads, bridges,
docks and canals. These include the Bridge over the Atlantic Ocean (the Menai
Straits) linking Anglesey and Wales, Dean Bridge in Edinburgh and the
Caledonian Canal.
William Thomson (Lord Kelvin of Largs) (1824 - 1907)
Mathematician and Physicist. Brought up in Scotland, although born in Ireland, he is
perhaps best known for the absolute temperature scale which takes his name (Kelvin).
At the University of Glasgow he did important work in the mathematical analysis of
electricity and formulation of the first and second laws of thermodynamics, and did
much to unify the emerging discipline of physics in its modern form.
Robert William Thomson (1822 - 1873)
Prolific inventor and developer.
Inventions: Pneumatic tyre (US patent 5104), Writing and drawing instruments (the self-filling pen),
Improvements in obtaining and applying motive power, Dividing hard substances such as rock stone
and coal, Steam boilers, Improvements in steam gauges, Steam omnibuses, Applying steam power in
cultivating land, Elastic wheel tyres, Road steamers, Guiding road steamers on street tramways,
Elastic belts, seats and other supports or cushions. Thomson was also the originator of: the
reversible mangles washing mangle, the ribbon saw, elliptical rotary engine, use of electricity to
detonate explosive charges, machinery for sugar manufacturing, the portable steam crane, hydraulic
dry dock
William Wallace (1274 - 1305)
Outlaw and defender of Scottish
independence. Defeated the army of
Edward I at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
Shortly after Wallace's execution, Robert
the Bruce was able to re-establish
Scotland's independence.
Sir Robert Alexander
Watson-Watt
(1892 - 1973)
Physicist, born in Brechin.
Developed and introduced
RADAR during World War II
James Watt (1736 - 1819)
Developed the steam engine into a practical source of power and invented the
governor as a control device. These improvements to the Newcomen steam
engine were fundamental to the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution.
In partnership with Matthew Boulton, his firm of Boulton and Watt was highly
successful and Watt became a wealthy man.
Peter Williamson
(1730 - 1799)
Known as Indian Peter, he was kidnapped from his native Aberdeenshire and
sold into slavery in America. Captured by Cherokee indians, he escaped to
join the army and was then imprisoned by the French. He eventually returned
to Edinburgh, publishing its first street directory, set up a postal service and
then successfully sued Aberdeen officials for slave trading.
George Wishart (1513 - 1546)
Protestant Reformer and Martyr. Burned at the stake for his faith in St. Andrews by
Cardinal David Beaton. Role model for John Knox. Commemorated by, for example,
the Wishart Arch in Dundee, from which he used to preach. Wishart's preaching in
1544–45 helped popularize the teachings of Calvin and Zwingli in Scotland. He
translated into English the first Helvetic Confession of Faith in 1536.
John Witherspoon (1723 - 1794)
Clergyman born in Gifford, East Lothian. Minister at Beith, then Paisley.
Emigrated to U.S.A. in 1768 to become President of Princeton University
(then the College of New Jersey). He taught and influenced many future
leaders of the US. Helped frame the US Declaration of Independence and
was one of the signatories. Also coined the word "Americanism".
James Young (1811 - 1883)
Chemical Engineer. Developed the process of refining oil and created
the world's first oil industry based on the Oil Shales of West Lothian,
close to Edinburgh.
