Famous Scots from Angus and Dundee

The Marquis of Montrose 1612 - 1650
James Graham, 5th Earl and 1st Marquis of Montrose was born in Montrose, the long awaited son of the Graham family. He was well educated and talented in mathematics, archery, golf and fencing. He lived for some time in France as an officer in the Scottish Guard. On his return, he first joined the Covenanters, but afterwards became a zealous royalist. He gained several battles for the king, but was defeated by Leslie at Philiphaugh in 1645. Five years later, having been captured in Orkney, was brought to Edinburgh and executed in 1650.

John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee 1649 - 1689
He was a professional soldier who fought in Europe before returning to control the Covenanters in the reign of James II where he earned the name Bloody Clavers. He was shot and killed after successfully routing the Government forces of William of Orange at the Battle of Killiecrankie. There is a visitor centre at Killiecrankie near Pitlochry.

Sir Charles Lyell 1797 - 1875
Sir Charles Lyell was born at Kinnordy House, near Kirriemuir. He was a distinguished geologist and a great encouragement to Charles Darwin when he was laying the groundwork of evolutionary biology. In 1829 the first volume of his work "Principals of Geology" was published causing great controversy. This confliction with science and religious faith was something he felt throughout his life.

Sir James M. Barrie 1860 - 1937
Born in Kirriemuir, his most famous work was Peter Pan. The National Trust for Scotland has a visitor centre at Barries birthplace which is open to the public.

Ian McDiarmid 1944 - 
Ian McDiarmid was born in Carnoustie and grew up in Dundee. He attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and following that he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. He is probably best known Senator Palpaltine in the Star Wars films but he is also a hugely successful and influential artistic director.