The Scottish Actor who boasted impressive roles from James Bond to Robin Hood, was born in the Fountainbridge area in 1930. Back then, he attended Tollcross Primary School but decided to leave education early at 13 to become a milkman. Unlikely origins for the man who would become one of Scotland’s most famous stars. He passed away in 2020, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of many.The Scottish Actor who boasted impressive roles from James Bond to Robin Hood, was born in the Fountainbridge area in 1930. Back then, he attended Tollcross Primary School but decided to leave education early at 13 to become a milkman. Unlikely origins for the man who would become one of Scotland’s most famous stars. He passed away in 2020, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of many.
The Scottish Actor who boasted impressive roles from James Bond to Robin Hood, was born in the Fountainbridge area in 1930. Back then, he attended Tollcross Primary School but decided to leave education early at 13 to become a milkman. Unlikely origins for the man who would become one of Scotland’s most famous stars. He passed away in 2020, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of many.

Famous Edinburgh Students: 10 Celebrities who went to universities and schools in Edinburgh

Edinburgh boasts an impressive list of celebrities and stars whose success stories started in – or passed through – the capital and its educational institutions.
Thomas Mackay
By Thomas Mackay
Published 27th Jun 2022, 11:15 BST
Updated 14th Jul 2023, 13:35 BST

Before their rise to prominence as household names they attended schools, colleges and universities just like the rest of us and - possibly - it may have been the school you went to yourself.

So, we researched Edinburgh’s famous faces to discover which schools raised the household names before they attained the ‘household’ distinction and created the following list of 10 prominent people from the area.

If you went to school with any of these stars then we hope the list conjures up fond memories of your time with them during their academic years.

If you went to school with any of these stars then we hope the list conjures up fond memories of your time with them during their academic years.

Maggie Cheung Man-yuk is a former actress who was raised in Hong Kong and Britain. She has appeared in more than 70 films and is renowned for her stunning performances in 'In the Mood for Love' and 'Hero'. She achieved her honorary degree at The University of Edinburgh. You may also know her from famous Jackie Chan movies such as ‘Police Story’ from 1985.

9. Maggie Cheung

Maggie Cheung Man-yuk is a former actress who was raised in Hong Kong and Britain. She has appeared in more than 70 films and is renowned for her stunning performances in 'In the Mood for Love' and 'Hero'. She achieved her honorary degree at The University of Edinburgh. You may also know her from famous Jackie Chan movies such as ‘Police Story’ from 1985. Photo: Ian West

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The former British Prime Minister (2007 - 2010) has a PhD in History from the University of Edinburgh. In 1972, Brown gained his first political triumph there when he was elected as Rector of the university while studying. However, he used this role to scrutinise the institution’s finances - an inconvenience for university officials at the time. Nowadays, he works for the United Nations as a Special Envoy for Global Education.

10. Gordon Brown

The former British Prime Minister (2007 - 2010) has a PhD in History from the University of Edinburgh. In 1972, Brown gained his first political triumph there when he was elected as Rector of the university while studying. However, he used this role to scrutinise the institution’s finances - an inconvenience for university officials at the time. Nowadays, he works for the United Nations as a Special Envoy for Global Education. Photo: Andrew Milligan

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