Scotlands history is littered with characters whose fame stretches far beyond these shores.  Whether you are enthralled by tales of heroics or moved by great writing, Scotland is sure to offer you inspirational characters many of whom were born or lived less than an hour away from Craigend.

William Wallace - Craigend, Lanark, Stirling - Our own personal favourite hero due his many connections with Lanark and of course our cave! (see Things to do at Craigend).  William Wallace is one of Scotlands most famous heros due mainly to his immortalisation in the film Braveheart.  To unearth the truth behind the film you can visit many sites in Lanark where Wallace first came to the attention of the English, to Stirling Castle, (about an hours drive) the site of the Wallace Monument. Websites The Wallace Monument Stirling Castle

Burns National Heritage Park - Alloway, Ayrshire - Roberts Burns is the most famous poet to emerge from Scotland....indeed, so famous he has a whole festival dedicated to him and his works.  The Heritage Park encompasses the Burns musem and the various places around his home that inspired his work.  Website Burns Heritage Park

David Livingstone Centre - Blantyre, East Kilbride - A museum in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire (20 minutes from Craigend) dedicated to the Scottish Missionary and Explorer.  Livingstone was famed for his geographical discoveries and his extensive missionary work in Africa.  The centre is located in former mill buildings where Livingstone was brought up and depicts his life from early childhood to his African adventures.  Website David Livingstone Centre

Robert the Bruce - Everywhere in Southern Scotland! - Robert I, known as Robert the Bruce was the heroic King of Scots who secured Scotland's independence from England and famously defeated the English Army at the battle of Bannockburn.  Bruce has particularly special links with this area as it was Jame Douglas, Bruces right hand man, who later carried Bruces heart (unsuccessfully) to Jerusalem.  This website we have found is the most comprehensive of the many Bruce sites The Bruce Trust

Sir Walter Scott - Edinburgh & Melrose - Walter Scott was the first English-Language author to have a truly international career.  His novels Ivanhoe, Rob Roy and Waverly have inspired millions and are still read today.  The much photographed Scott monument sits at the bottom of Edinburgh Castle and a visit to Scotts home Abbottsford House is an absolute must.  Website Abbotsford House