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BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Stan Laurel 1809 - 1965 (grew up in Rutherglen)

One half of the legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, Laurel was raised in Rutherglen (... as Arthur Jefferson! what is it with Ruglonians changing their names?! A tip for any budding stars - change your name!) and moved away as a boy as he was becoming a child star.

Visit the official Laurel and hardy website by clicking here

Bobby Murdoch 1944 - 2001 (grew up in Burnhill)

Won the European Cup as one of the Celtic Lisbon Lions of 1967. Born and in Rutherglen, and died there aged only 56, having completed one of the most successful football careers of the modern era (though only 12 caps!).

Read a brief review of Bobby's career by clicking here

Part of the impressive dynasty of James and John Whites (which can be confusing to read!), under his command White's Chemical Works became one of the largest in the world, and a leading employer in Rutherglen. 

John White also gifted the land for Overtoun Park and has a statue in Glasgow.

Read a detailed account of his life here.

Mick McGahey 1925 - 1999 (Cambuslang miner and Trade Union leader)

'Working-class hero' McGahey was Scotland's leading Union Representative in the infamous Miners' Strike of 1984, having been a local miner for much of his life.  There is a sculpture dedicated to his memory and the local collieries.

Read a biography for him by clicking here.

Thomas B Seath 1820 - 1903 (Rutherglen businessman)

Seath was a successful shipbuilder who ran a yard building steamboats in Rutherglen throughout the second half of the 19^th Century.

Read a biography for him by clicking here.

Part of the impressive dynasty of James and John Whites (which can be confusing to read!), he helped establish White's Chemical Works at Shawfield and was also a leading charity benefactor and a lawyer. 

James White is commemorated by a statue in Glasgow's Cathedral Square.

You can read a detailed portrait of James White's life here.

A noted lawyer and the Provost of Rutherglen during an important period of change, as well as the holder of various other positions of high office.

You can read a portrait of John Fleming's life here.

A leading figure at Glasgow School of Art when the Mackintosh building was constructed, he was also partner in a leading pottery in the north of Glasgow.  Lived in Woodburn House and buried in Rutherglen Cemetery (found the tomb by accident!  I don't go hunting the graveyard for famous Ruglonians, honest!)

You can read a portrait of Sir James Fleming's life here.

Russell Hunter 1925 - 2004 (grew up in Rutherglen)

 The actor appeared in popular 1960s TV series Callan, as well as small parts in various TV shows for over 40 years.

Read a brief biography of Russell's career by clicking here

William G Cochran 1909 - 1980 (Grew up in Rutherglen)

A noted scientist and mathematician who moved to America and was a major figure in their best universities for 40 years.

You can read his biography by clicking here.

Robbie Coltrane (born in Rutherglen)

The star of Cracker and Harry Potter was a youngster in Ruggy (when he was Anthony R McMillan) but then went to school in Perthshire before his brain melted down here.

Read an unofficial but detailed biography of Robbie here

Another who changed his name (he was born James), the songwriter is responsible for no less famous hits than Vienna (Ultravox) and Feed The World (BandAid) as well as the G8 concert in Edinburgh.

Visit Midge's official website by clicking here

Fran Healy (grew up in Kings Park)

The former Holyrood Secondary pupil is now a world-famous figure as the frontman of depressing but thoughtful rock band Travis.

Take a look at the website of Travis (with downloads) by clicking here

Jim Kerr (grew up in Toryglen)

The frontman for famous band Simple Minds, Kerr is also a major shareholder in Celtic FC.  Grew up in the Circus!

You can read a biography of Jim Kerr by clicking here.

Andy Cameron (grew up in Rutherglen)

Famous comedian and Rangers tannoy announcer is one of Rutherglen’s most active celebrities. His most famous contribution to the world of music and sport was "We're on the march wae Ally's Army" in 1978. Love him or loathe him for it...

By clicking here, you will be taken to a request form for songs on Andy's Radio Clyde 2 show!

Dougie Donnelly (grew up in Burnside)

The TV presenter has been the cheery face of Sportscene for a generation and was also the face of the legendary Sterling adverts of yesteryear.

You can read a profile of Dougie's career by clicking here

Blythe Duff (lives in Burnside)

The Taggart TV series actress is often seen out and about in Rutherglen.

There's a good Taggart fan page featuring Blythe - click here to visit it.

Cosmic Rough Riders (from Castlemilk)

The up-and-coming rock band even produced their album from a small electronics studio in Castlemilk.

To visit the band's website, click here

Edwin Morgan (grew up in Rutherglen)

Glasgow’s Poet Laureate and a noted author.

Click here to read some of his works on his website.

Charlie Burchill (Grew up in Toryglen)

The Simple Minds guitarist is also from the Toryglen area.

You can read a biography  for Charlie Burchill here

Magnus Magnusson (lived in Rutherglen)

The Mastermind presenter was born in Iceland but lived in Rutherglen for a long period. I suppose his journalist/presenter daughter Sally Magnusson also has links with the town but can't confirm this.

A successful actress and satirist on radio and television from the 1950s to 1990s. Most famous for her Mrs Thatcher impersonations.

Tommy McAvoy MP (from Fernhill)

Tommy McAvoy is Labour’s Westminster MP for ‘The constituency of Rutherglen and Hamilton West’ as it apparently must now be named.

Tommy has held this seat since 1987, which you can read about on his website by clicking here.

Robert Brown MSP (lives in Burnside)

The experienced Scottish Parliament Member lives in Burnside with his family and has been campaigning for improvements in Rutherglen for 20 years.

Visit his website by clicking here.

Willie Haughey (Rutherglen businessman)

Local businessman Haughey is the owner of the local City Refrigeration group and also owns the local Burnside Hotel.  Born in Gorbals but based in Rutherglen.

A director of Celtic FC, he bought Bobby Murdoch's Celtic medals after his death, which he gave back to the club.

Eddie McAvoy (from Fernhill)

The older of two political brothers, Bankhead councillor Eddie McAvoy, who once represented Hoover factory workers, is now also leader of South Lanarkshire Council.

Janis Hughes MSP (grew up in Rutherglen)

The former nurse is Rutherglen’s current representative at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood.

You can visit her fun-filled website by clicking here.

Rev Dr John Miller (Castlemilk church leader)

The local minister in Castlemilk East (for 30 years) is so popular due to work with the community that a new school is to be named after him. 

Was also honoured by Glasgow City Council with the bizaarely-named "Loving Cup" and was Moderator General (boss) of the Church of Scotland.

Bill Butler MSP (taught at Stonelaw)

Former school teacher is now in the Scottish Parliament representing his home area of Anniesland.

Your local councillors:

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Scotland’s most successful boxer ever is proud of his Cambuslang roots.  The World Champion has been banned from East Kilbride after fighting with hostile 'fans'!

View Scott's impressive career stats and read about his fights by clicking here

Lee McConnell (grew up in Kings Park)

The former Holyrood girl is one of Britain's top athletes, achieving podium finishes at European and World Championship level in the 400m.

Read a brief profile of Lee's athletics career here.

Drew Henry (grew up in Rutherglen)

Currently consistently in worldwide snooker’s Top 30, he honed his skills in the halls of Rutherglen.

Have a brief look at Drew's snooker record by clicking here

Craig Brown CBE (grew up in Rutherglen)

Mild-mannered former Scotland football manager – their best ever coach, when measured by results!

Read a history of Craig's career as manager and player by clicking here

Ray Houghton (grew up in Castlemilk)

Won countless trophies with Liverpool in the 1980s and played in two World Cups... for Ireland! He won 73 caps. Now often spotted as a TV pundit.

You can read a history of Ray's football career by clicking here

Andy Walker (grew up in Burnside)

The former Celtic striker enjoyed a successful career during a bad spell for his club, and is now a regular TV pundit and columnist.

Read Andy's Sunday mail football column by clicking here!

Steve Archibald (grew up in Burnhill and Fernhill)

Once Britain’s most expensive footballer, Scotland international striker (27 caps) Archibald played for Tottenham, Aberdeen and Barcelona (pictured).

Simon Donnelly (grew up in Burnside)

The former Celtic striker is now also playing at Dunfermline after a disappointing spell in England.

You can read a brief summary of Simon's career here

Charlie Miller (grew up in Castlemilk)

Having grown up amid the excesses of Castlemilk, some bad habits arguably held back the former Rangers player from becoming one of the best players of his generation. Now playing in Norway.

Arthur Graham (grew up in Castlemilk)

Arthur worked in the steelworks in Cambuslang before he went to Aberdeen and won the Scottish Cup aged 17.  Went on to star for Leeds and played for Scotland.

Arthur recently did an interview with the Reformer, read it here.

Darren Young (grew up in Whitlawburn)

The older of two footballing brothers, Darren captained Aberdeen and is now playing midfield for Dunfermline.

You can read a brief summary of Darren's career here

Derek Young (grew up in Whitlawburn)

Derek, the younger of the brothers, also played at Aberdeen and is now a regular for Dunfermline.

You can read a brief summary of Derek's career here

Jim McInally (grew up in Castlemilk)

With Dundee United, McInally was a UEFA Cup finalist, a Scottish Cup Winner and a Scotland international (10 caps).  Also played for Celtic and Notts Forest.

Now manager at Greenock Morton.

Sandy Stewart (grew up in Fernhill)

He captained Airdrie in a Scottish Cup final, and is now the Lanarkshire side’s manager.

Andy McLaren (grew up in Castlemilk)

Another footballing product of Castlemilk who struggled to escape the binge culture. A Scottish Cup winner in 1994.

Still playing top-level...well, Morton... after coming through rehab.

Paul Di Giacomo (grew up in Burnside)

Paul has recovered from serious injury to again play his part as a forward for Kilmarnock, after first breaking into their team as a teenager a few years ago.

Colin Jackson (lived in Rutherglen)

The former Rangers defender came from the north of Scotland but settled in Rutherglen and won every honour in the Scottish game.

Pat McGinlay (lives in Burnside)

The former Hibs and Celtic midfielder is often seen around Burnside where he has settled with his family.

Brian McPhee (grew up in Rutherglen)

The journeyman striker is something of a cult hero at Hamilton Athletic, after helping them climb the leagues.  Also played for Livingston and Airdrie.

Aiden McGeady (born in Rutherglen)

One of Celtic's great footballing hopes, Aiden, who grew up in Glasgow, disappointed many Scottish fans by joining the Ireland international team (blame his club, so he says).  Set to become a Celtic hero in the coming years.

Visit Aiden's personal website by clicking here

William Ruane (grew up in Castlemilk)

William was one of the 'unknowns' chosen by Ken Loach for his film about teenage drug-dealers in Greenock, Sweet Sixteen.  He has since gone on to appear in River City and in another Ken Loach film, Tickets.

Click here for Amazon reviewers' opinions of Sweet Sixteen.

Rab Davidson (grew up in Burnhill)

Look out for the former Stonelaw pupil as he tries to break through to the Rangers first team as a striker.  Injury this year has held him back but he should make it as a player with a top club.

Have a look at Rab's progress at Rangers by clicking here.

Brian McLean (born in Rutherglen)

Brian is another player who's turned out for Ireland (Northern Ireland Under 21s in this case) after Scotland were slow to spot his talent.  Currently playing well on loan at Motherwell from Rangers.  I'm not sure how strong his link to Rutherglen is!

Have a look at Brian's progress at Rangers by clicking here.

The young Stonelaw girl may become a screen star of the future, having already appeared in River City, and in the film Dear Frankie.

Alan Trouten (grew up in Rutherglen)

Former Stonelaw boy Alan bounced back from illness and disappointment at Morton to become one of Queens Park's best players, and looks likely to move up through the leagues.

James Evans (grew up in Springhall)

Young goalkeeper formerly at Trinity High is now the regular between the posts for Alloa after a spell with Bolton.  May yet play at a higher level.

David Riggins (grew up in Rutherglen)

David, who went to Stonelaw High,  is one of Scotland's top pool players, won some youth tournaments and may yet achieve fame and glory in one of the long-stick-and-big-table varieties.

Willie Howie (born in Rutherglen)

The former Partick Thistle midfielder was the victim of a beating by thugs who fractured his skull. Still playing but looks like he will never fulfil the potential which had him tipped as a star in the Champ Manager PC game.