Friday March 17, 2006, Stirling, Scotland

Joanne Rowling hosts masquerade ball

Famed writer J.K. Rowling, known for her Harry Potter series of children's books hosted an oppulent masquerade ball in aid of the charity, MS Society Scotland, along with her husband, Neil Murray. The event was held at historic Stirling Castle, where the band ABBA tribute band 'Bjorn Again' provided live music.

J.K. Rowling holds a mask.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Friday July 26, 2002, Manchester, England

Irish soccer star Roy Keane

Irish soccer star Roy Keane.

Roy Keane with the skull of a raven.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Saturday February 25, 2006, Edinburgh, Scotland

British Prime Minister Tony Blair attends 2006 Scottish Labor Party Conference

British Prime Minister Tony Blair attends the Scottish Labor Party Conference in Aviemore, Scotland. The 2006 conference, held from February 24-26 brought together party members, trade union members and elected politicians from across Scotland.

Tony Blair stands before a large screen projecting his image.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Monday January 16, 2006, Bolton, England

British boxing sensation Amir Khan at home in Bolton

Nineteen-year-old British boxing prodigy and 2004 Olympic silver medalist, Amir Khan has been hailed as a positive role model for Muslim youth in Britain after tensions arose as a result of a series of terrorist bombing on London's public transportation system in July of 2005. Khan, whose father, Shahjaad emigrated to England from Pakistan in 1970, has been described as the future of British boxing.

Amir Khan

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Monday January 16, 2006, Bolton, England

British boxing sensation Amir Khan at home in Bolton

Nineteen-year-old British boxing prodigy and 2004 Olympic silver medalist, Amir Khan has been hailed as a positive role model for Muslim youth in Britain after tensions arose as a result of a series of terrorist bombing on London's public transportation system in July of 2005. Khan, whose father, Shahjaad emigrated to England from Pakistan in 1970, has been described as the future of British boxing.

Wearing his Olympic silver medal, Amir Khan stands amid various trophies and medals in the sitting room of his family home.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Friday November 18, 2005, Edinburgh, Scotland

Dalai Lama of Tibet

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet speaks to the media at the Dynamic Earth venue at the start of a 2 day visit to Edinburgh, The exiled political leader and spiritual head of Tibet's Buddhists fled Tibet in 1959, went to Dharamsala in northern India and establishing a government in exile.

Dalai Lama

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Tuesday September 13, 2005, Edinburgh, Scotland

Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking a leading figure in modern cosmology

Eminent British scientist and theoretical physicist, professor Stephen Hawking, author of the bestseller, A Brief History of Time, is a leading figure in modern cosmology. Since 1979 he has held the post of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Cambridge University. Although Hawking has the incurable motor neurone disease ALS, and is confined to a specially designed wheelchair mounted with a computer he uses to communicate, he manages to combine his family life (he has three children and one grandchild), and his theoretical physics research which involves an extensive program of travel and public lectures including an appearance in an episode of The Simpsons TV show.

Stephen Hawking

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Thursday November 5, 1998, Edinburgh, Scotland

Harry Potter author, JK Rowling

English author JK Rowling was propelled to stardom after her hugely successful series of Harry Potter books were published and subsequently adapted for the screen. Rowling, who was living on state benefits at the time her first book, The Philosopher's Stone, was published, is purported to be the first person ever to become a billionaire as a writer.

JK Rowling holds a gargoyle statue.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Saturday August 27, 2005, Edinburgh, Scotland

Author, Salman Rushdie attends Edinburgh Television Festival

Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic Verses attends the Edinburgh Television Festival. Earlier in 2005, Iran's hard-line Revolutionary Guard had declared the death sentence imposed upon him some 16 years earlier as still valid. This contradicts statements by former reformist President Mohammad Khatami that his death sentence should be considered closed.

Salman Rushdie gestures while speaking.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Friday June 3, 2005, London, England

British comedian Ricky Gervais

British comedian Ricky Gervais' acting and writing credits include the hit series, The Office as well as The Simpsons. Gervais has received two Golden Globe Awards, four British Comedy Awards and a Peabody Award. Gervais' latest project is the new BBC sitcom, “Extras.î

Ricky Gervais wears a crown of barbed wire while gesturing with his hands as if in prayer.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Sunday August 15, 2004, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Nobel prize winner Italian novelist and playwright Dario Fo

Winner of the Nobel prize for literature, Italian novelist and playwright Dario Fo at the Edinburgh Book Festival.

Dario Fo

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Friday June 3, 2005, London, England

British comedian Ricky Gervais

British comedian Ricky Gervais' acting and writing credits include the hit series, The Office as well as The Simpsons. Gervais has received two Golden Globe Awards, four British Comedy Awards and a Peabody Award. Gervais' latest project is the new BBC sitcom, “Extras.î

Ricky Gervais wears a bowler hat while biting an umbrella handle.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Tuesday February 8, 2005, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

HFEA licence to clone human embryos for medical research grated to creator of Dolly

Dr Ian Wilmut ,the creator of Dolly the sheep, at a press conference and photocall to announce that he has been jointly granted a HFEA licence to clone human embryos for medical research. Professor Ian Wilmut and Kings College London scientists will clone early stage embryos to study motor neurone disease (MND). In 1996, Roslin Institute and the biotechnology firm PPL Therapeutics created Dolly, the first animal cloned from a cell taken from an adult animal under the direction of Dr. Ian Wilmut.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Wednesday August 25, 2004, Edinburgh, Scotland

Actor Christian Slater takes a break in a cemetery in Edinburgh

American actor Christian Slater takes a break from starring in the stage play One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest at the Assembly Rooms during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He is seen here in Calton Cemetry, Edinburgh.

Christian Slater

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Friday December 19, 2003, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Ian Rankin, crime writer

Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin His Inspector Rebus novels have been adapted for TV. He writes politically charged bloody crime novels. His previous employment includes grape-picker, swineherd, tax inspector, journalist and punk musician.

Ian Rankin crime writer poses with an axe at dusk.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Tuesday March 4, 2003, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Formula One race car driver Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher, German-born Formula One race car driver for Ferrari during a break in testing at the Spanish circuit near Barcelona. Born 3/1/1969, Schumacher who won his first Grand Prix in 1991 in Belgium, has won 84 titles and been on 7 previous teams, he remains the best driver in the sport, a true legend in his own lifetime.

Michael Schumacher

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Tuesday August 23, 2005, Edinburgh, Scotland

Actor Elijah Wood attends the UK premiere of his new film Green Street Hooligans

Actor Elijah Wood attends the UK premiere of his new film Green Street Hooligans, directed by Lexi Alexander at the 59th Edinburgh International Festival.

Elijah Wood

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Friday July 26, 2002, Manchester, England

Irish soccer star Roy Keane

Irish soccer star Roy Keane.

Roy Keane

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Friday December 2, 2005, London, England

Antony steals Mercury Music Prize

New York-based musician and singer Antony Hegarty of Antony and The Johnsons, who won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize 2005 with their album, 'I Am A Bird Now.' The pianist and singer's winning album features contributions from Boy George and Lou Reed.

Antony Hegarty

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Sunday May 30, 2004, Glasgow, Scotland

Dalai Lama of Tibet

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet at the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow whilst on a visit to Scotland. The exiled political leader and spiritual head of Tibet's Buddhists fled Tibet in 1959, went to Dharamsala in northern India and establishing a government in exile.

Dalai Lama

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Tuesday March 4, 2003, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Formula One race car driver Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher, German-born Formula One race car driver for Ferrari during a break in testing at the Spanish circuit near Barcelona. Born 3/1/1969, Schumacher who won his first Grand Prix in 1991 in Belgium, has won 84 titles and been on 7 previous teams, he remains the best driver in the sport, a true legend in his own lifetime.

Michael Schumacher

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Thursday June 22, 2000, Edinburgh, Scotland

Harry Potter author, JK Rowling

English author JK Rowling was propelled to stardom after her hugely successful series of Harry Potter books were published and subsequently adapted for the screen. Rowling, who was living on state benefits at the time her first book, The Philosopher's Stone, was published, is purported to be the first person ever to become a billionaire as a writer.

JK Rowling

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Friday July 10, 1998, Edinburgh, Scotland

Harry Potter author, JK Rowling

English author JK Rowling was propelled to stardom after her hugely successful series of Harry Potter books were published and subsequently adapted for the screen. Rowling, who was living on state benefits at the time her first book, The Philosopher's Stone, was published, is purported to be the first person ever to become a billionaire as a writer.

JK Rowling holds a pen.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Sunday August 28, 2005, Edinburgh, Scotland

Zadie Smith acclaimed writer

Author of White Teeth, Zadie Smith at The Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Zadie Smith

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Saturday August 10, 2002, Edinburgh, Scotland

Joyce Carol Oates

Novelist and poet Joyce Carol Oates at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation and currently teaches creative writing at Princeton University. Recent books include: The Tattooed Girl (2003); The Falls (2004); Missing Mom (2005).

Joyce Carol Oates

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Friday September 23, 2005, Inverclyde, Scotland, Uk

Jeff Bezos the founder and CEO of Amazon.com

Jeff Bezos the founder and CEO of Amazon.com at Amazon's Gourock premises.

Jeff Bezos CEO of Amazon.com stands against a red studio backdrop.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Thursday August 26, 2004, London, England

French soccer player Thierry Henry

French soccer player Thierry Henry became a prominent racial equality activist after being racially abused by Spanish coach, Luis Aragones before a soccer game between France and Spain in November of 2004. Nike's "Stand Up, Speak Up" anti-racism campaign was organized at Henry's prompting and proceeds from the sale of wristbands has helped fund anti-racism groups. Henry has played since 1999 for the British team Arsenal where he is the club's all time leading goalscorer.

Thierry Henry holds a soccer ball.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Tuesday February 8, 2005, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

HFEA licence to clone human embryos for medical research grated to creator of Dolly

Dr Ian Wilmut ,the creator of Dolly the sheep, at a press conference and photocall to announce that he has been jointly granted a HFEA licence to clone human embryos for medical research. Professor Ian Wilmut and Kings College London scientists will clone early stage embryos to study motor neurone disease (MND). In 1996, Roslin Institute and the biotechnology firm PPL Therapeutics created Dolly, the first animal cloned from a cell taken from an adult animal under the direction of Dr. Ian Wilmut.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Wednesday April 9, 2003, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Dolly the deceased cloned sheep is stuffed and displayed

Dr Ian Wilmut bids his creation Dolly the cloned sheep a last farewell. Only halfway through her life expectancy Dolly was put to sleep in 2003 after the detection of progressive lung disease. She has been tastefully stuffed and put on display by the Royal Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Dolly, the famous cloned sheep, named humourously after Dolly Parton the singer. In 1996, Roslin Institute and the biotechnology firm PPL Therapeutics created Dolly, the first animal cloned from a cell taken from an adult animal under the direction of Dr. Ian Wilmut. Born 5th July 1996. The announcement in February 1997 started the current fascination in all things cloned. Until then, almost all biologists thought that the cells in our bodies were fixed in their roles: the creation of Dolly from a mammary gland cell of a six year old sheep showed this was not the case. Dolly had the DNA of her source, making her the first mammal successfully cloned using adult cells.

Credit: Murdo Macleod / Polaris

Murdo Macleod