12 famous faces educated at Edinburgh University, including Charles Darwin, Ian Rankin and Michael McIntyre
If you’ve ever wondered where theory of evolution scientist Charles Darwin or comedian and TV show host Michael McIntyre studied, we’ve got the answers for you.
How many of the famous faces in our photo gallery did you know went to the University of Edinburgh – and did any attend at the same time as you or your children?
5. Alexander Graham Bell
Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, was born at 16 South Charlotte Street in Edinburgh. At the age of 16, he became a pupil-teacher of elocution and music at Weston House Academy in Elgin. The following year he attended the University of Edinburgh, and later graduated from the University College of London. Photo: Third Party
6. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Author of Sherlock Holmes series of novels and stories, physician, alumnus. Conan Doyle plaque Background Arthur Conan Doyle is known around the world as the creator of Sherlock Holmes, the fictional Baker Street detective. Born in Edinburgh in 1859, Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle studied medicine at the University between 1876 and 1881. It was one of his professors at Edinburgh Uni, Dr Joseph Bell, who is said to have inspired Conan Doyle's most famous character. Photo: Third Party
7. Sir Chris Hoy
Edinburgh-born Sir Chris Hoy, with a total of seven Olympic medals, six gold and one silver, is the second most decorated Olympic cyclist of all time. He grew up in Murrayfield, and was educated at George Watson's College, followed by two years at the University of St Andrews studying Mathematics and Physics until 1996. He transferred to the University of Edinburgh, from which he graduated BSc (Hons.) in Applied Sports Science in 1999. Photo: Third Party
8. Pippa Middleton
Kate Middleton's younger sister Pippa Middleton graduated with a degree in English literature from the University of Edinburgh. Photo: Third Party