Edinburgh has been home to some of history's most influential figures. From the Scottish Enlightenment's great thinkers to modern-day authors and entertainers, the city has nurtured remarkable talent across every field. Here are some of the most notable people associated with Scotland's capital.
Writers & Literature
Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)
Born in Edinburgh, Scott is considered the inventor of the historical novel. His works include Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, and Waverley. The Scott Monument on Princes Street is the largest monument to a writer in the world.
Connection: Born in College Wynd, Old Town
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)
Author of Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Born in Edinburgh's New Town and educated at Edinburgh University.
Connection: Born at 8 Howard Place
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930)
Creator of Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh and studied medicine at Edinburgh University, where his professor Joseph Bell inspired the character of Holmes.
Connection: Born in Picardy Place (statue nearby)
J.K. Rowling (b. 1965)
Author of the Harry Potter series. Wrote much of the first book in Edinburgh cafes including The Elephant House. Lives in Edinburgh.
Connection: Edinburgh resident, wrote Harry Potter here
Irvine Welsh (b. 1958)
Author of Trainspotting, which depicts life in Leith. The novel was adapted into an iconic film. Grew up in Muirhouse, Edinburgh.
Connection: Born and raised in Edinburgh
Scientists & Inventors
Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922)
Inventor of the telephone. Born in Edinburgh and educated at the Royal High School and Edinburgh University before emigrating to Canada and the United States.
James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879)
Physicist who formulated the theory of electromagnetic radiation. Born in Edinburgh and considered one of the greatest scientists of all time, alongside Newton and Einstein.
Joseph Lister (1827-1912)
Pioneer of antiseptic surgery. Studied and worked at Edinburgh University, revolutionising medical practice and saving countless lives.
Philosophers & Thinkers
Edinburgh was the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment, producing some of history's most influential thinkers:
David Hume (1711-1776)
Philosopher, historian, and economist. One of the most important figures in Western philosophy. A statue stands on the Royal Mile.
Adam Smith (1723-1790)
Author of The Wealth of Nations and father of modern economics. Studied at Edinburgh High School and lived in Panmure House, Canongate.
Entertainers & Modern Figures
Sean Connery (1930-2020)
ActorThe original James Bond. Born and raised in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh. Knighted in 2000.
Tony Blair (b. 1953)
PoliticianFormer Prime Minister. Born in Edinburgh and attended Fettes College.
Shirley Manson (b. 1966)
MusicianLead singer of Garbage. Born and raised in Edinburgh.
Ian Rankin (b. 1960)
AuthorCreator of Inspector Rebus. His crime novels are set in Edinburgh and explore the city's darker side.
Where to Learn More
Explore Edinburgh's connection to these famous figures:
- •Writers' Museum: Dedicated to Burns, Scott, and Stevenson (Lady Stair's Close)
- •Scott Monument: Climb for views and learn about Sir Walter Scott
- •Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour: Walking tour of literary Edinburgh
- •National Museum of Scotland: Scottish science and innovation galleries