Aberdeen and Grampian W. E. Gladstone 1809 - 1898 Born at Fasque House in Fettercairn, Gladstone is the grand old man of British politics. He was leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister in four governments from 1868 to 1894. He was responsible for major reforms in every sphere of national life and for the development of imperial and foreign policy and he stamped his moral authority on the politics of his time. He finally divided the Liberal Party on the issue of Home Rule. Gladstone was also a considerable scholar and author in his own right. Fasque House has an exhibition of William Gladstone memorabilia. Sir Patrick Geddes 1854 - 1932 Sir Patrick Geddes was born in Ballater. He began working in the national Bank of Scotland but went on to study botany at Edinburgh University. He did not enjoy formal study and left after only a week to go to London. In 1880 he returned to Edinburgh University and his wide field of interests led him to develop innovative urban renewal programmes including the creation of the first student halls of residence. He was a believer in improvements to the environment claming that humans prospered where there was fresh air, gardens and good housing. He purchased a building near Edinburgh Castle which he used as a "social observatory". Its famous camera obscura is still part of the outlook tower and can be visited to today. Geddes now influences civic planning throughout the world. Ramsay McDonald 1866 - 1937 Ramsay MacDonald was born illegitimately to the son of a plough-boy and serving girl in Lossiemouth. He was elected the first Labour Prime Minister in 1924. He was re-elected in 1929 and later formed a collation Government with Stanley Baldwin in 1931. Annie Lennox 1954 - Born in Aberdeen on Christmas day, Annie Lennox has had a hugely successful career both with the Eurythmics and in her solo career. She showed signs of her musical talent at an early age and was accepted into the Royal Academy of Music at 17. She later joined forces with Dave Stewart to form the Eurythmics and together hey enjoyed major success during the 1980s with songs such as "Sweet Dreams" and "Here Comes the Rain Again". The Eurythmics spilt in 1989 and Annie Lennox went on to establish herself as a solo artist, with her album "Diva" which won her major acclaim, including a Grammy. Recently, she was reunited with Dave Stewart and they released an album entitled "Peace". Evelyn Glennie 1965 - Evelyn Glennie was born in Aberdeen and grew up near by. She began studying percussion at an early age but by the age of twelve her hearing had deteriorated and she was pronounced profoundly deaf. Her determination and great talent has led her to play with the top orchestras and conductors of the world and in recognition of her music she has achieved many awards, including a Grammy.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 13:30:09 +0000