Ian Rankin

He has become a widely aclaimed novelist and the name Ian Rankin and his Inspector Rebus books continue in popularity. He attended Beath High School in Cowdenbeath, just a few miles up the M90 motorway from Dunfermline (birthplace of Andrew Carnegie the great philanthropist, as well as the singer/actress Barbara Dickson) attended Edinburgh University. He lived in London for a few years before spending around 6 years in rural France developing his career as a writer and novelist.

Ian thought his first novels "Knots and Crosses" and "Hide and Seek" were mainstream books, more in keeping with the Scottish traditions of Robert Louis Stevenson, and it is believed he was a bit disconcerted when they were classified as genre fiction. However, he was reassured by Scottish novelist, Allan Massie, who tutored Rankin while Massie was writer-in-residence at Edinburgh University.

Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus novels are mainly set in Edinburgh, and are major contributions to the Tartan Noir genre. Four of the novels were televised on ITV, starring John Hannah (who also played in "Four Weddings and a Funeral"). In early 2006 Ken Stott took over in the part of Rebus, and was hailed by many fans as an ideal fit for the character.

See also the following:-


Alexander Fleming - His discovery of Penicillin changed the world.
Andrew Carnegie - The great Philanthropist from Dunfermline made his fortune in the Steel Industry and went on to give away much of his money.
Barbara Dickson - The famous singer and actress from Dunfermline.
Jack Vettriano - The painter from Methil in Fife has reached international fame with his wonderful art.
Jimmy Shand - The famous Band Leader, also from Auchtermuchty. The legend of his music lives on.
The Proclaimers - The twin brother singing duo from Auchtermuchty, who made famous the song 'if I could walk 500 miles'.
Gordon Brown - Britain's Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, was raised and educated in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

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