Scotland

The actor Robbie Coltrane was born.

Anthony Robert McMillan OBE (30 March 1950 – 14 October 2022), known professionally as Robbie Coltrane, was a Scottish actor and comedian. He gained worldwide recognition in the 2000s for playing Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter film series. He was appointed an OBE in the 2006 New Year Honours by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama. In 1990, Coltrane received the Evening Standard British Film Award – Peter Sellers Award for Comedy. In 2011, he was honoured for his “outstanding contribution” to film at the British Academy Scotland Awards.

Glasgow Zoological Society Opened

Glasgow Zoo, or Calderpark Zoo, was a 99-acre (40 ha) zoological park in Baillieston, Glasgow, Scotland.

Blackout restrictions in Scotland lifted as World War II heads to a conclusion.

A blackout during war, or in preparation for an expected war, is the practice of collectively minimizing outdoor light, including upwardly directed (or reflected) light. This was done in the 20th century to prevent crews of enemy aircraft from being able to identify their targets by sight, such as during the London Blitz of 1940. In coastal regions, a shoreside blackout of city lights also helped protect ships from being seen silhouetted against the artificial light by enemy submarines farther out at sea.

The Scottish National Party gained their first electoral victory

52nd Highland Light Infantry and 1st Commando Brigade cross from Holland

On January 16, 1945, during World War II, the 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Division, which included the 52nd Highland Light Infantry, and the 1st Commando Brigade were involved in military operations as part of the Western Allied push into Germany.

Rod Stewart, born

Rod Stewart, whose full name is Roderick David Stewart, was born on January 10, 1945. He is a British rock and pop singer-songwriter, known for his distinctive raspy voice, energetic performances, and a successful music career that has spanned several decades.

Pay As You Earn Income Tax introduced for the first time in Scotland

Devised by Sir Paul Chambers, PAYE was introduced into the UK in 1944, following trials in 1940–1941. As with many of the United Kingdom’s institutional arrangements, the way in which the state collects income tax through PAYE owes much of its form and structure to the peculiarities of the era in which it was devised.

William John Bremner, professional footballer and manager, born in Scotland

William John Bremner (9 December 1942 – 7 December 1997) was a Scottish professional footballer and manager. Regarded as one of the game’s great midfielders, he combined precision passing skills with tenacious tackling and physical stamina. He played for Leeds United from 1959 to 1976, serving as captain from 1965, in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

Comedian and actor Billy Connolly born

Sir William Connolly CBE, the Scottish comedian, actor, and musician, was born on November 24, 1942, in Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland. Connolly is widely regarded as one of the greatest stand-up comedians of his generation and has had a successful career spanning several decades.

Actor Tom Conti born

Tom Conti, the Scottish actor, was born on November 22, 1941, in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland. Over the course of his career, Conti became a well-known and respected figure in the world of film, television, and theater.