Famous faces of Clydebank

For a town its size, Clydebank has sent some big names out into the world – here are a few of them.

Clydebank may be a small town, but it has produced a remarkable amount of talent. From sell-out comedy and the big screen to chart-topping music and the football pitch, here are some of the famous faces who were born or grew up in the town we call home.

Kevin Bridges

Comedian. One of Britain's biggest stand-up comedians, Kevin Bridges was born and brought up in Clydebank – and his home town runs right through his sell-out shows to this day.

James Cosmo

Actor. Born in Clydebank, James Cosmo has appeared in some of the best-loved films and series of his generation, among them Braveheart, Highlander, Trainspotting and Game of Thrones.

Wet Wet Wet

Band. The chart-topping group Wet Wet Wet first came together at Clydebank High School in 1982, going on to become one of Scotland's most successful pop bands.

John McGinn

Footballer. Born and raised in Clydebank, John McGinn has played for St Mirren, Hibernian and Aston Villa, and is a familiar face in the Scotland national team.

Duncan Bannatyne

Entrepreneur. Clydebank-born Duncan Bannatyne built a business empire from the ground up and became a familiar face to millions as one of the original investors on Dragons' Den.

Barbara Rafferty

Actress. Born in Clydebank, Barbara Rafferty is a much-loved Scottish actress, best known to television audiences as Ella Cotter in the comedy Rab C Nesbitt.

At a glance
  • Kevin Bridges – stand-up comedian, born and raised in Clydebank
  • James Cosmo – film and television actor, born in Clydebank
  • Wet Wet Wet – pop band formed at Clydebank High School in 1982
  • John McGinn – footballer for Aston Villa and Scotland, raised in Clydebank
  • Duncan Bannatyne – entrepreneur and broadcaster, born in Clydebank
  • Barbara Rafferty – actress, born in Clydebank

Who have we missed?

Clydebank has produced far more talent than we could ever fit on one page. If you think we have missed someone, we would love to hear who – come in for a chat or drop us a line. Suggest a famous face.

More Clydebank stories · See the timeline

Paul James Home, inside the Co-op Department Store, Clydebank. Monday to Saturday 9 to 5. 0141 266 0400.

Discover Clydebank · Clydebank history · People

Famous faces of Clydebank

By Paul, Paul James Home · 20 September 2026

For a town its size, Clydebank has sent some big names out into the world – here are a few of them.

Clydebank may be a small town, but it has produced a remarkable amount of talent. From sell-out comedy and the big screen to chart-topping music and the football pitch, here are some of the famous faces who were born or grew up in the town we call home.

Kevin Bridges

Comedian. One of Britain's biggest stand-up comedians, Kevin Bridges was born and brought up in Clydebank – and his home town runs right through his sell-out shows to this day.

James Cosmo

Actor. Born in Clydebank, James Cosmo has appeared in some of the best-loved films and series of his generation, among them Braveheart, Highlander, Trainspotting and Game of Thrones.

Wet Wet Wet

Band. The chart-topping group Wet Wet Wet first came together at Clydebank High School in 1982, going on to become one of Scotland's most successful pop bands.

John McGinn

Footballer. Born and raised in Clydebank, John McGinn has played for St Mirren, Hibernian and Aston Villa, and is a familiar face in the Scotland national team.

Duncan Bannatyne

Entrepreneur. Clydebank-born Duncan Bannatyne built a business empire from the ground up and became a familiar face to millions as one of the original investors on Dragons' Den.

Barbara Rafferty

Actress. Born in Clydebank, Barbara Rafferty is a much-loved Scottish actress, best known to television audiences as Ella Cotter in the comedy Rab C Nesbitt.

At a glance
  • Kevin Bridges – stand-up comedian, born and raised in Clydebank
  • James Cosmo – film and television actor, born in Clydebank
  • Wet Wet Wet – pop band formed at Clydebank High School in 1982
  • John McGinn – footballer for Aston Villa and Scotland, raised in Clydebank
  • Duncan Bannatyne – entrepreneur and broadcaster, born in Clydebank
  • Barbara Rafferty – actress, born in Clydebank

Who have we missed?

Clydebank has produced far more talent than we could ever fit on one page. If you think we have missed someone, we would love to hear who – come in for a chat or drop us a line. Suggest a famous face.

More Clydebank stories · See the timeline

Paul James Home, inside the Co-op Department Store, Clydebank. Monday to Saturday 9 to 5. 0141 266 0400.

Clydebank showroom

Rather ask us in person?

Everything we write about is on the floor above the Co-op on Sylvania Way. Come in, lie on it, sit on it, and ask whatever you like. Monday to Saturday 9 to 5, no appointment.