Edinburgh’s schools, colleges and universities have done their bit to shape many household names, producing celebrities from musicians to actors and authors.
If you’ve ever wondered where Outlander actor Sam Heughan or Trainspotting writer Irvine Welsh were educated we’ve got the answers for you.
How many of the celebrities in our picture gallery did you know went to school, college or university in Edinburgh – and did any of them go to the same one as you or your children?
5. JK Rowling
You didn’t know that the author of the beloved Harry Potter novels studied in Edinburgh? In 1996, J.K. Rowling completed a teacher training course at Moray House but continued working on her novel in her spare time. In fact, Rowling wrote parts of the first Harry Potter book in cafes in Edinburgh. One record-breaking film franchise later, she is now one of the world’s wealthiest and best known authors. Photo: Third Party
6. Iain Glen
The Game of Thrones actor attended the Edinburgh Academy back when it was a boarding school. The 61-year-old has been described as “the greatest Scottish theatre actor of his generation”, with many award-winning performances including Henry V and The Crucible at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Photo: Third Party
7. Irvine Welsh
Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh attended Ainslie Park High School and would go on to become one of the best-known writers on the planet. Photo: Third Party
8. Sir Sean Connery
Sir Sean’s five-decade career saw him win an Oscar, two Baftas and three Golden Globes. His other notable films include Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade, Highlander and The Hunt For Red October. He was on a number of occasions voted by fans as the best actor to have played 007 in the long-running franchise, beating Craig and Sir Roger Moore. He was knighted in the 2000 New Year Honours for services to film drama. He attended Tollcross Primary school, however decided to leave school at 13 to work as a milkman. Sir Sean died aged 90 in 2020. Photo: Third Party