12 legendary Scots who were better known abroad than at home

Famous beyond measure in their adopted countries, but barely known in their ancestral homeland, these dozen Scots made a mark upon foreign shores that has lasted the test of time.

From the chief medical advisor of Tsar Peter the Great to the first prime minister of Canada, we take a look at twelve Scots who became more famous abroad than they were at home.

1. John A. Macdonald (1815-1891)

Born in Glasgow but emigrated to Canada as a boy and became the country's first prime minister. Photo: Creative Commons

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2. Williamina Fleming (1857-1911)

Scottish astronomer Williamina Fleming achieved fame in America for her work in helping to develop a common designation system for stars. Photo: Creative Commons

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3. Thomas Blake Glover (1838-1911)

Often described as 'the Scot who shaped Japan', Fraserburgh-born industrialist Thomas Blake Glover set up a shipbuilding firm that would go on to become the Mitsubishi company. Photo: Creative Commons