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Mary

Somerville

Health

Mary was born in 1780. She went on to become the most distinguished female scientist and mathematician in nineteenth century Britain - perhaps even throughout the whole world. Mary wrote a number of important scientific works which gained her respect in many countries. She supported the emancipation and education of women and Somerville College at Oxford University is named after her. (more)

James

Thomson

Poet

James was born at Ednam near Kelso in 1700 but his family moved to Southdean when he was still a child. After leaving Jedburgh Grammar he studied at Edinburgh University and then moved to London to seek his fortune.  He wrote plays and poetry, and his writing talent was admired by many including Robert Burns. His best-known piece of work is still performed regularly today, as James wrote the words of Rule Britannia! (more).

Sarah

Innes

Police

Sarah decided on a career in the police when she was in her final year at school. She has never regretted it.  Her work is varied and she enjoys helping the public in many ways. Sarah also likes being part of a hard-working team who help each other.  She believes it is very important to uphold the law and finds it is very interesting to deal with those people who break it.

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John

Smith

Soldier

John was one of many whose great achievement was to help Britain and its allies win the First World War. Sadly, he paid the ultimate price as a local newspaper report in 1916 tells: "Corporal J. Smith has been killed in action near Somme in France.  He was educated in the local school and before being called up was a farm worker. He was 18 years of age."

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Ainslie

Henderson

Music

Ainslie is a highly talented singer songwriter who became well known on BBC's Fame Academy in 2002.  He was interested in music and drama at school.  Indeed, he formed his first band when he was only 12!  Ainslie has enjoyed  success both as a band member and a solo artist. He has also written and recorded with fellow Fame Academy student Lemar.

Gary

Armstrong

Sport