OUR GLOBAL IMPACT

Scotland is known across the world for many things. Discover more about the famous names who were inspired by our country...

Scotland might be a “wee” country but what we might lack in size, we more than make up for when it comes to our impact around the globe!

For centuries, Scotland has remained a muse for creative types, from artists to designers, writers, poets and filmmakers.

Whether they were born here or enjoyed visiting, here are just a few of the famous names and people inspired by their love of our “wee” country

CHILDREN’S AUTHOR JM BARRIE

Peter Pan is a beloved and well-known character, with generations now falling in love with the story’s ideas of adventure, flying, fairy dust and never growing up.

Today, Disney theme parks around the world introduce visitors to the characters of Peter and Tinkerbell. While the characters continue to travel across the globe, enchanting young and old fans, their link to Scotland remains as strong as ever. For their creator, author J M Barrie, was born in the

Angus burgh of Kirriemuir.

DESIGNER COCO CHANEL

Of course, Coco Chanel wasn’t Scottish! But the French fashion designer did live in Scotland for a time during the 1920s, staying in a mystical Highland mansion. There she was said to have fallen for the charm of pastimes such as angling – and, of course, traditional sportswear and Highland wear. This is reflected in one of her most iconic designs – that of the Chanel tweed suit. At the hands of Chanel, tweed became (and has remained) a must-have for chic, Parisian style.

DAVID JONES AND MIKE DAILLY

In the world of video games, the Scots have also left their mark, notably with Grand Theft Auto. The all-conquering gaming franchise was created by Scottish designers David Jones and Mike Dailly.

Created in 1997 by the programming duo, Grand Theft Auto has gone on to become one of the greatest and biggest-selling video game series of all time.

Although the games are set in fictional urban sprawls based on real-life American cities, traces and hints to Scotland can be seen in various editions of the game – such as Kincaid Bridge in GTA: San Andreas, which closely resembles the Forth Bridge.

A LASTING LEGACY

The legacy of Scotland’s creations and inventions will last the ages. But as artisans, businesses, creatives and innovators continue to fall for the charms of the country, there’s certainly more to come.

Who knows what lies ahead for our “wee” but inspirational country?