“St John of Dunkeld was unusual among Scottish saints in that he originally came from the village of Podock in England. He became Archdeacon of St Andrews, and when the see became vacant the Chapter chose him as their next bishop. This action infuriated the King (William the Lion) who […]
Known as the father of meteorology, Alexander Buchan was born at Kinnesswood (Kinross-shire) on 11 April 1829. Initial education was at the Free Church normal school. From an early age he took an interest in weather, formalising this study with a degree from Edinburgh University. A teaching job (1848-60) was […]
John Welwood (1649-79) – Covenanting minister, Welwood died in Perth but was not allowed to be buried in the town. His friends dug his grave at Dron Kirkyard (NO 141159).
Thomas Small (1587-1645) – Covenanter who died for his beliefs. Buried at Ecclesmagirdle Kirkyard (NO 108163)
John Ramsay (1736-1814) – Owner of Ochtertyre estate, Ramsay was a friend and patron of Burns. Scott called at his home also. Buried at Kincardine Kirkyard (NS 719988).
Rob Roy MacGregor (1671-1734) – Farmer and cattle-dealer, noted for his exploits in levying blackmail. Subject of Walter Scott’s novel Rob Roy. Died at home and interred at Balquidder kirkyard (NN 536209) beneath an old cross-slab. “The most famous MacGregor of all is, of course, Rob Roy, of the Glengyle branch (1671-1734). Rob […]
John Grierson – Born at Deanston (borders of Stirling and Perth) on 26 April 1898. He is credited with initiating the 1930s British documentary film movement. “John Grierson (April 26, 1898 – February 19, 1972) is often considered the father of British and Canadian documentary film. Grierson was born in Deanston, near […]
John Graham, Viscount Dundee (1648/9-89) – Known as Claverhouse from his estate, Graham led Government troops against the Covenanters at Drumclog and Bothwell. He was personally responsible for the murder of John Brown of Priesthill in front of his wife and family. Graham led the Jacobites at the Battle of Killiecrankie […]
Robert Cunninghame-Graham (1852-1936) – Born in London, Don Roberto, as he was known, was a Liberal MP and prolific writer and a founder with Keir Hardie of the Scottish Labour Party. He is buried at Inchmahome (NN 574005) in Perthshire. Robert Bontine, the son of Major William Bontine of the Scots […]
William Cleland (c1661-1689) – Scottish Covenanting poet and soldier educated at St Andrew’s University and at Utrecht. He fought at Drumclog, Bothwell Brig and in Argyll’s expedition, when, as colonel of the Cameronians, he fell in the successful defence of Dunkeld against the Jacobite (Highland) clansmen in 1689. Also noted for […]