20 Incredible Inventions You Didn't Know Were Scottish

16. Bicycles

There are more than twice as many bicycles in the world today €“ as a mode of transport they're more popular now than ever, helping countless people weave through the rush hour traffic on their daily commute. If you're looking for someone historical to thank (or curse as you're cut up by an ignorant lorry driver), look no further than Kirkpatrick Macmillan €“ this obscure Scottish blacksmith is largely credited with inventing the rear wheel driven bike we're all familiar with today.

15. Penicillin

If there's a single invention which can be said to have completely revolutionized the way humanity practices medicine, that invention could well be penicillin. The impact the world's first antibiotic has had on human health and longevity cannot be underestimated, and it's all down to Alexander Fleming, born and bred in Scotland.