Commemorative plaques

We erect commemorative plaques around the University to celebrate the achievements of individuals who have been associated with us throughout our 400-year history.

Robert Adam

Architect, creator of the University's Old College building, alumnus.

Charles Glover Barkla

Nobel Prize physicist, Chair in Natural Philosophy.

James Miranda Barry

Pioneering British Army surgeon, first female graduate of the University.

Max Born

Nobel Prize physicist, Tait Professor of Natural Philosophy.

James Boswell

Lawyer, diarist, author, biographer of Dr Samuel Johnson.

Thomas Carlyle

Historian, author of 'The French Revolution', University Rector, alumnus.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Author of Sherlock Holmes series of novels and stories, physician, alumnus.

William Dick

Pioneer of veterinary science and education, founder of the Royal Dick Veterinary School.

Sir Patrick Geddes

Biologist, sociologist, planner, founder of the first Scottish university student residence.

Peter Ware Higgs

Nobel Prize physicist, Emeritus Professor of Theoretical Physics.

David Hume

Philosopher, historian, author of 'A Treatise of Human Nature', alumnus.

James Hutton

Geologist, chemist, naturalist, founder of modern geology, alumnus.

Elsie Maud Inglis

Founder of Scottish Women's Suffrage Federation and Scottish Women's Hospitals, alumna.

Sophia Jex-Blake

Physician, pioneer of medical education for women in Britain, alumna.

Baroness Jennie Lee

One of the first female Members of Parliament, founder of the Open University, alumna.

Eric Liddell

Olympic 400 metre champion, teacher, missionary, alumnus.

Lord Joseph Lister

Founder of antiseptic medicine and aseptic surgery, Regius Professor of Clinical Surgery.

Clement Litil

Advocate of a University in the city, benefactor and founder of the University's Library.

James Lorimer

Jurist, philosopher, Regius Professor of Public Law, alumnus.

Sorley Maclean

Gaelic poet, teacher, Writer in Residence, honorary Doctor of Letters, alumnus.

Jessie Chrystal Macmillan

Suffragist, founder of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, first female science alumna.

William McEwan

Founder of McEwan's Brewery, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh, major benefactor of the University.

Julius Kambarage Nyerere

African statesman, first President of Tanzania, alumnus.

William Henry Playfair

Architect of the University's Old College and New College buildings.

General John Reid

British Army officer, flautist, composer, his benefaction established a Chair of Music.

Peter Mark Roget

Physician, philologist, author of the Thesaurus of English Words & Phrases, alumnus.

Robert Rollock

First Regent and first Principal of the University.

Benjamin Rush

Signatory of the American Declaration of Independence, physician, alumnus.

Sir Walter Scott

Prolific novelist, poet, historian, lawyer and alumnus.

Sir Robert Sibbald

Professor of Medicine, founder of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, alumnus.

James Young Simpson

Pioneer of anaesthetics, Professor of Midwifery, alumnus.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Poet, author of Treasure Island, Kidnapped, Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, alumnus.

Sir Charles Wyville Thomson

Challenger expedition leader, Professor of Natural History, alumnus.

Sir Godfrey Thomson

Authority on intelligence testing, Bell Professor of Education, alumnus.