Famous People of Scotland
Famous People of Scotland (3)
Newcomen engines (steam) were pumping water from mines all over the country at the time of Watt’s birth. It was a Newcomen engine that Watt was given to repair around 1764 that would result in his first patent in 1769. He made several improvements and designed a separate condensing chamber for the steam engine that prevented enormous losses of steam. This was groundbreaking as previously the engine was terribly inefficient.
Watt died on the 19 August 1819. He patented several other important inventions including the rotary engine, the double-action engine and the steam indicator, which records the steam pressure inside the engine.
You can visit the town of his birth, Greenock, which has a college, pub, monument and museum exhibitions about their famous son.
Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796) (also known as Rabbie Burns, Scotland's favourite son, the Ploughman Poet, Robden of Solway Firth, the Bard of Ayrshire and in Scotland as simply The Bard) was a Scottish poet and a lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated worldwide. He is the best known of the poets who have written in the Scots language, although much of his writing is also in English and a "light" Scots dialect, accessible to an audience beyond Scotland. He also wrote in standard English, and in these pieces, his political or civil commentary is often at its most blunt.
He is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement, and after his death he became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism. A cultural icon in Scotland and among the Scottish Diaspora around the world, celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries, and his influence has long been strong on Scottish literature. In 2009 he was voted by the Scottish public as being the Greatest Scot, through a vote run by Scottish television channel STV.
Scotland
Latest Scotland Articles
-
Loch Ness Monster
The Loch Ness Monster is a cryptid that is reputed to inhabit Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. It is… -
Caledonian MacBrayne Hebridean and Clyde Ferries
Caledonian MacBrayne sail to 24 destinations off Scotland’s west coast, through some of the most spectacular coastlines and landscapes in… -
Mary Queen of Scots
Mary Stuart (Marie Stuart), otherwise known as Mary Queen of Scots, was one of Scotland’s most controversial monarchs. She led… -
The Blitz in Scotland
Scotland has had a rich and proud history of Highland Clans, the Reformation and bloody battles with the English. One… -
James Watt
James Watt was a famous Scottish inventor who is famous for his improvements to steam engines that in turn played… -
Kelpies, Celtic folklore and mythological creature
The kelpie is a supernatural water horse from Celtic folklore that is believed to haunt the rivers and lochs of…
-
Wolf of Badenoch
The fearsome “Wolf of Badenoch”, with Lochindord and its castle.The Wolf was the son of King Robert II; the time…
-
Scots
What exactly is Scots? During your stay in, or visit to, Scotland, you will probably encounter a language called Scots.…
-
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
This information is taken from Outdoor Access Scotland. Please visit the site for full informationOutdoor Access Scotland Official SiteYour access…
-
Robert Burns - The Bard
Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796) (also known as Rabbie Burns, Scotland's favourite son, the Ploughman Poet,…
-
Minke Whale
Taxonomy Taxon English term Phylum Chordata Sea squirts, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals Class Mammalia Seals, walrus, dolphin and whales…
-
Roe Deer in Scotland
The European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus), also known as the Western Roe Deer or chevreuil, is an Eurasian species of…
-
The Scottish Wildcat
By appearance the Scottish wildcat resembles a very muscular domestic tabby, the coat is made up of well defined brown…
-
Harbour Porpoise
At around 1.2 metres long, the harbour porpoise is much smaller than its dolphin relatives and much, much smaller than…
-
Common Seal in Scotland
With its dappled coat and dog-like head shape, the common or ‘harbour’ seal is the seal most likely to be…
-
Common Dolphins in Scotland
An ace swimmer that can outpace most boats with relative ease, but closely match their speed if it chooses, the…
-
Red deer in Scotland
(Cervus elaphus)Scotland's largest surviving mammal is an integral part of the Caledonian Forest. Deprived of its native habitat by centuries…
-
Bottlenose dolphin
There are bottlenose dolphins across much of the world's oceans. But the Scottish ones live around the species northern limit,…
-
Pine Martin
(Martes martes)This agile and playful hunter of the Caledonian Forest is increasing in numbers again, because of the expansion of…
-
The Red Squirrel
(Sciurus vulgaris) Worldwide distribution of the Red Squirrel The Eurasian red squirrel is widely distributed in Europe and northern Asia,…
-
Smoking in Scotland
It is against the law to smoke in any enclosed public place in Scotland. Smoke-free legislation in Scotland The…
-
Emergency Services in Scotland
Police, fire brigade, ambulance, mountain rescue and coastguard can be reached by dialing 999.
-
Driving in Scotland
Speed LimitsUnless otherwise indicated, speed limits on the roads are:Motorway: 70mph/112kphDual Carriageway: 70mph/112kphSingle Carriageway: 60mph/96kphBuilt-up areas: 30mph/48kphSeat BeltsIt is compulsory…
-
Tourist information centres
Tourist information centres are available in nearly every town and city as well as near attractions. They are usually run…
-
Opening hours and local holidays in Scotland
Shops are usually open Monday to Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm. In towns and cities as well as villages in holiday…
-
Tipping in Scotland
RestaurantsIit is customary to leave a tip of 10 – 15% of the bill. It is not normal to leave…
-
Post, phone and internet services in Scotland
Post There is a good network of Post Offices across Scotland. They provide a range of services including the sale…
-
Scottish Weather
Scotland’s weather is interestingly varied. Generally speaking the east coast is cool and dry while the west coast is warmer…
-
The Rise of the kingdom of Alba
The myth of MacAlpin's Treason tells how Alba was born when the Gael Cináed mac Ailpín conquered the Picts, but…
-
The Roman Invasion of Brittish Isles
The only surviving pre-Roman account of Scotland originated with the Greek Pytheas of Massalia who circumnavigated the British islands (which…
Featured Listings
CAMPBELTOWN
Welcome to the Mull of Kintyre. Craigard House Hotel is an 1882 Victorian Mansion turned bijou hotel.
Full of original features the hotel has 13 rooms, most with sea view, all different - some large, some smaller - but all have ensuite bath and shower, huge fluffy towels, bathrobes, free WiFi, TV/DVD/CD player with Freesat and Sky TV, telephone, comprehensive welcome tray....
The Lochside Restaurant offers imaginatively prepared local seafood, shellfish, meat, produce, game and cheese.
Whether your visit is for business, tourism, golf, whisky, surfing, walking or simply lighthouse gazing, then the Kintyre Peninsular is for you.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Read More
KA26 ONZ
Experience peace and tranquillity in the luxurious surroundings of this spectacular Scottish Baronial Castle. A member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux Association, Glenapp Castle is set amid thirty six acres of magnificent gardens and woodland on the beautiful Ayrshire coast, just ninety minutes south of Glasgow.
Read More
St Andrews
Spacious accommodation on Market Street, the main street through the centre of this historic town.
Only 3 minutes walk from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club and courses, this fashionable Townhouse is an ideal base to play golf, explore St Andrews and Scotland.
Read More
Carnoustie
The Great Eskape offers a unique opportunity to explore Glen Esk, the longest and probably the most beautiful glen in the County of Angus. This is an area of unspoilt natural wilderness where little has changed over the passing years. There are high mountains, remote lochs, steep sided glens and tumbling burns. Ancient mounth paths once used by cattle drovers and whisky smugglers cross these hills and there is a rich history stretching back over thousands of years.
Read More
Largs
North-Ayrshire
Welcome to Go-Go Bus Tours, Taxi AND Private Hire covering central Scotland incuding Taxi Runs to both Prestwick and Glasgow International Airports. Experience a special selection of private, breathtaking Scottish tours, or personalised regional tours designed to suit your requirements.
Read More
NEWS
User Menu
Login
Latest Podcasts
Interview with Helen from Sail Inverclyde. All about the Tall Ships Races 2011 Greenock leg, the events planned, travel arrangements and things to doin the west of Scotland
Download the podcast HERE
Interview with Julie from Clyde Clippers, a ferry service on the clyde between Braehead and Glasgow.
Download the podcast HERE
Read the blog about the day out on the Clyde Clippers Boat HERE
Finlaystone interviews with both the Chief MacMillan and the Head Ranger - David Finnis
While attending the Teddy Bears Picnic at Finlaystone on the 22nd of May 2011 we took the opportunity to interview both the Chief MacMillan and the Head Ranger - David FInnis. We talk to Clan Chief McMillan about the clan, the history of the estate and also talk to David about what Finlaystone offers.
Download the podcast HERE
Read the blog HERE
Interview with Stuart McMillan of SNP, Follow-up on what SNP win means for Scottish Tourism
Download the podcast HERE
Interview with Fiona of the Tall Ships Races Lerwick 2011
Download the podcast HERE
SNP wins Scottish Election, what does this mean for Tourism in Scotland?
Download the podcast HERE
Comment on and read the article HERE
Interview with George Martin from Go-Go Bus
Download the podcast HERE
Interview with Gino from Holiday Apartments in Edinburgh
Download the podcast HERE
Interview with Jean Benson from Belle Vue Bed and Breakfast in Inverkip
Download the podcast HERE
Interview with Natalie Candusso from Candusso Holiday Lets
Download the podcst HERE
Interview 1 with Natalie Candusso from The Bankton House Hotel in Livingston
Download the podcast HERE