Greatest Ever Scot

[Jimmy]

Don't know if this has been done on the forum before, if it has, then forget it.
In view of a recent thread about the Scottish Enlightenment, would it be appropriate, especially with most X-Markers having Scottish heritage, to decide who was the greatest ever Scot.
I know a recent programme on Scottish TV voted Robert Burns as the greatest Scot ever but who would our members select?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Hmm. That's a tuffie. Off the top of my head I'd probably go with Adam Smith.

[JSFMACLJR]

Sir Sandford Fleming, KCMG, would rank up there ( although I might be a bit biased ). He was truly a renaissance man, having been the Chief Engineer of the Canadian Pacific Railway, inventor of Standard Time and the whole concept of the Prime Meridian, laid the first Pacific Cable, designed Canada's first postage stamp, invented things, was an outspoken advocate of the Empire...the list is a long one.

[davidlpope]

I think you'd have to consider the "biggies", Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, even though they predate the Enlightenment.

Also, although I know it's cheating the question a bit, instead of a specific individual how about the generic "Scottish Soldier"? Scottish Servicemen had a huge impact on the culture and traditions of Scotland (saved the kilt from oblivion, even?) as well as worldwide impact through service in far-flung reaches of the Empire...

Cordially,

David

[macwilkin]

My first instinct would be Robert Burns. I also like David's suggestion of "The Scottish Soldier".

T.

[Brian K]

Alexander Graham Bell came to mind immediately.

[McClef]

My first instinct was Robert Burns also - what other Scot has their birthday celebrated around the globe every year?

[Whidbey78]

Alexander Graham Bell came to mind immediately.

Andrew Carnegie popped into my mind right off. He revolutionized industry, especially in North America. However, I don't think his influence had as much direct impact on his homeland as it did here, but I could be mistaken.

Of course, being from this side of the pond I have not been emersed in Scottish history enough to cast a truly informed vote.

For just being all around "cool" my vote would go to Sean Connery, but he is certainly not the "greatest ever." But he is the only real James Bond.

It's a tough call to say "Greatest Ever." Perhaps the subject needs to be narrowed slightly by major area of work or influence(political, military, science/engineering, business, etc.) or by time frame(century, decade, era). Of course if one went with the latter wouldn't it be contrary to the title? "Best Scot Ever...um,...in the 19th century." It just doesn't fly.

[Jock Scot]

I think you'd have to consider the "biggies", Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, even though they predate the Enlightenment.

Also, although I know it's cheating the question a bit, instead of a specific individual how about the generic "Scottish Soldier"? Scottish Servicemen had a huge impact on the culture and traditions of Scotland (saved the kilt from oblivion, even?) as well as worldwide impact through service in far-flung reaches of the Empire...

Cordially,

David

Well if you were looking for the epitome of a Scottish Soldier, how about Field Marshal Sir Colin Campbell?

[macwilkin]

Well if you were looking for the epitome of a Scottish Soldier, how about Field Marshal Sir Colin Campbell?

An excellent choice, Jock. I would also add Major Colin Campbell Mitchell of the Argylls to a list of great Scottish soldiers.

T.