Greatest Ever Scot

**Jimmy** · 7th June 10, 06:54 AM

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** · 7th June 10, 07:26 AM

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

**cessna152towser** · 7th June 10, 07:30 AM

My choice would be King Robert the Bruce.

**JSFMACLJR** · 7th June 10, 07:30 AM

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** · 7th June 10, 07:34 AM

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** · 7th June 10, 08:16 AM

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

T.

**Brian K** · 7th June 10, 09:47 AM

Alexander Graham Bell came to mind immediately.

**McClef** · 7th June 10, 11:09 AM

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

**macwilkin** · 7th June 10, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by McClef

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

**Whidbey78** · 7th June 10, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by Brian K

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.