Great Glaswegians: 8 of the most influential Glaswegians that made an impact on world history

By Liam Smillie

Digital Reporter

Published 11th Nov 2024, 11:55 GMT

Take a look at the stories behind some of the most historic Glaswegians

Glasgow has produced many great sons and daughters - here are just 8 of the most influential.

Glasgowhas made a major mark on world history, driven innovation, industry and culture from the city and exported talented people who made their mark all over the world.

From science to commerce to comedy - we do what we do best here in Glasgow, which is most things. Time and time again Glaswegian names pop-up throughout history, from the inventor of the ultrasound to the man behind the organisation that would become the FBI - read more about that here: Pinkerton Detective Agency: How one Glaswegian helped found the Secret Service and foiled an assassination plot on Abraham Lincoln.

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For more on Glasgow innovators - check out our article: Inventions of Glasgow: 12 of Glasgow’s greatest inventions from waterproofs to the steam engine.

Look below at our pick for the 8 most influential Glaswegians of all time. Who do you think is the Glaswegian who’s left the biggest mark on history? Let us know in the comments.

Born in a maternity hospital in the west end of Glasgow, Deborah Kerr moved to Hollywood in the 1940s and became one of the most celebrated actresses. She was nominated six times for Academy Awards - for ‘Edward, My Son’, ‘From Here to Eternity’, ‘The King and I’, ‘Heaven Knows Mr. Allison’, ‘Separate Tables, and ‘The Sundowners’.

1. Deborah Kerr

Born in a maternity hospital in the west end of Glasgow, Deborah Kerr moved to Hollywood in the 1940s and became one of the most celebrated actresses. She was nominated six times for Academy Awards - for ‘Edward, My Son’, ‘From Here to Eternity’, ‘The King and I’, ‘Heaven Knows Mr. Allison’, ‘Separate Tables, and ‘The Sundowners’. | FilmPublicityArchive/United Arch

The Big Yin brought Glasgow's patter to the world - marking Glasgow as a city worth a lot more than just some old ships.

2. Billy Connolly

The Big Yin brought Glasgow's patter to the world - marking Glasgow as a city worth a lot more than just some old ships. | BBC

Alex Ferguson has always championed Glasgow - known as one of the best football managers of all time.

3. Sir Alex Ferguson

Alex Ferguson has always championed Glasgow - known as one of the best football managers of all time. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group

Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a Scottish architect who today is credited as “a leader of the Glasgow style”. He designed many buildings around Glasgow and was a pioneer in his field.

4. Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a Scottish architect who today is credited as “a leader of the Glasgow style”. He designed many buildings around Glasgow and was a pioneer in his field. | via Pxfuel

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