Wishaw. Ask most folk about the town and you’ll be met with either a grimace or a puzzled look. We don’t like to big ourselves up to much - but rest assured there are some truly astounding famous faces that have emerged from the unassuming North Lanarkshire conurbation.
I grew up in Wishaw, so I know fine well that we’ve produced some of the biggest Scottish football greats in the last few generations, alongside major players who’ve contributed massively to our countries arts and culture.
Despite all the difficulties we’ve faced as a post-industrial town, so many brilliant people have came out of the shadow cast over Wishaw since the demolition of the Ravenscraig back in the 90s. If that doesn’t show you that strength is built from adversity - I don’t know what will.
If you want to read more about Wishaw, check out our article: A local’s guide to Wishaw: 10 things to do in the heart of North Lanarkshire
From footballers to academics to musicians - these are the 12 biggest and best celebrities from the town of Wishaw.
Despite all the difficulties we’ve faced as a post-industrial town, so many brilliant people have came out of the shadow cast over Wishaw since the demolition of the Ravenscraig back in the 90s. If that doesn’t show you that strength is built from adversity - I don’t know what will.
9. Nicholas McDonald
Nicholas McDonald - or as we call him in Wishaw 'Nicky McDonald, some chanter' - is another point of pride for the town when he put us on the map by getting to the semi-finals of X Factor back in 2013. He's still gigging to this day, and continues to be well-respected in the community.
10. Jim Graham
A Wishaw ex-pat based in America, Graham worked his way up to the very heights of American politics as a Democrat for the city council of Columbia - as well as practicing law in front of the US Supreme Court. He also led the way in fighting AIDS in America during the 80s when he sat as president of the board of the Whitman-Walker Clinic. Under his leadership the clinic had become one of the most comprehensive community based medical organizations responding to HIV/AIDS in the country. Some boy.
11. John Gibson Lockhart
Don't worry, I had never heard of John Gibson Lockhart either - although his impact on Scottish literary culture is undeniable. He was a Scottish writer and editor, born in the Manse of Cambusnethan House - he's best known for producing the seven-volume biography of his father-in-law Sir Walter Scott. He also produced four novels in the early 1820s including Adam Blair and Reginald Dalton.
12. Sammy Reid
Sammy Reid is another Wishaw man who went down in the annals as a Scottish football legend. He scored the winning goal for Berwick Rangers in their 1966–67 Scottish Cup victory against Rangers, in what is rated as 'one of the greatest shocks in the history of Scottish football.' Reid also played for Motherwell, Falkirk, Clyde and Dumbarton.