Nessie beats Burns to be crowned most famous Scot

Published on Wednesday 29 November 2006 00:37

THE Loch Ness Monster has been named the most famous Scot, narrowly beating the national poet, Robert Burns, into second place in a survey published yesterday.

More than 2,000 adults across the United Kingdom were questioned to establish the best-known Scots, past and present.

The actor Sir Sean Connery came third, followed by "freedom fighters" Robert the Bruce and William Wallace.

The actor Robbie Coltrane was sixth, with comedian Billy Connolly seventh and the film star Ewan McGregor in ninth place.

Only two women made the top ten, with the GMTV presenter Lorraine Kelly at No8 and the singer Lulu taking the final spot.

Caroline Glenn, the manager of the Robert Burns National Heritage Park in Alloway, Ayrshire, said: "I understand that lots of people come to Scotland to try and catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster.

"But in reality, Robert Burns should be number one. He certainly is in our eyes."