150 faces of Edinburgh: 15 of the most famous Edinburgh people, from The Proclaimers to the zoo's giant pandas
As we celebrate 150 years of the Edinburgh Evening News, we’ve taken a look at the 150 most famous faces from the Capital.
In alphabetical order, we are going through these big names who have made an impact on Edinburgh and the world. We’ve already mentioned the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson, Pat Stanton and Irvine Welsh – so let’s have a look at the most influential Edinburgh people, from letters T to Y.
5. Tom Gilzean
A prominent and well-loved figure known for sporting his tartan trews on iconic locations like Princes Street, Southside born Tom Gilzean was an unmistakable sight in the Capital, relentlessly asking for donations from locals and visitors alike come rain or shine. He received the Edinburgh Award in 2015 and an MBE in 2019. The legendary fundraiser and war veteran died in Edinburgh in 2019 at the age of 99, having raised more than a million for charities. Photo: Third Party
6. Walter Donaldson
Born in Edinburh in 1907, Walter Donaldson was a professional snooker and billiards player. He contested eight consecutive world championship finals against Fred Davis from 1947 to 1954, and won the title in 1947 and 1950. He died on May 24, 1973, aged 66. In 2012, he was inducted, posthumously, into the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association's World Snooker Hall of Fame. Photo: Third Party
7. Sir Tom Farmer
The Leith-born businessman has been described as the man who changed the face of the auto repair industry. He set-up Kwik-Fit in 1971 which grew under his leadership into the world’s largest independent tyre and automotive repair business with more than 2000 centres in 20 countries when it was sold for £1 billion in 1999. He later established Farmer Autocare in 2003. Farmer famously stepped in to save Hibs from a hostile takeover from Hearts owner Wallace Mercer in 1990. He sold the majority ownership of the club to American businessman Ron Gordon in July 2019. Photo: SNS
8. Val McDermid
Edinburgh-based crime author Val McDermid has sold over 19 million books to date across the globe and has been translated into more than 40 languages. She is perhaps best known for her Wire in the Blood series, featuring clinical psychologist Dr Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan, which was adapted for television starring Robson Green and Hermione Norris. Photo: Third Party