Sir Sean Tops "Great Scots" Poll

It’s official: Sir Sean Connery is the Greatest Scot of the 20th Century. Connery has topped the list in Scran’s public poll, sponsored by Fujitsu Services (Scotland).

The selected names feature in a digital update of the 19th century ‘Frieze of Scots’ by William Hole, which is displayed in Edinburgh’s National Portrait Gallery.

Famed for his role as Ian Fleming’s quintessentially British spy ‘James Bond’, Connery secured thousands of votes as part of the year-long initiative. The fervent patriot beat off stiff competition from luminaries from the worlds of science and engineering such as John Logie Baird, Alexander Fleming and Alexander Graham Bell.

The public’s selection ranges across arts, entertainment, science, politics, sport, literature and popular culture. With a sense of humour, and an appreciation of up to the minute science, Scots included Oor Wullie and Dolly the Sheep in the top 100.

“We received over 10,000 votes in total from all around the world,” said Lady Balfour, chairman of Scran. “Obviously we’re delighted that the poll captured the public’s imagination and that so many people took time to cast their vote. Sir Sean is an excellent ambassador for Scotland. He will now be immortalised in the updated, digital version of the ‘Frieze of Scots’.”

All of the votes received were scrutinised by a Special Action Committee, including Wendy Alexander MSP; ex-Scotland coach Craig Brown; legendary comedian Rikki Fulton; the Reverend John D Miller, Moderator of the Church of Scotland; Channel 4’s Stuart Cosgrove; and technology entrepreneur Chris Van der Kuyl.

Paul Brennan, account director, Fujitsu Services (Scotland), said: “Fujitsu Services is proud to support the Great Scots initiative. This poll not only celebrates the achievements of the Great Scots who have put the country on the map, but has embraced the latest technology to convey them to a far wider audience than ever before.”

A full colour print of the frieze is being distributed to all public libraries and is also available from Scran’s online shop.