Magnus Magnusson was born - On this day in Scottish history

Broadcaster and author Magnus Magnusson was born on 12 October 1929 in Reykjavik, Iceland. Magnusson moved to Scotland with his family at a young age, when his father Sigursteinn Magnusson became the Icelandic consul in Edinburgh.

After attending the Edinburgh Academy, Magnusson moved on to Jesus College, Oxford, before accepting a position on The Scotsman newspaper which would prove to be the start of a long career in journalism and broadcasting. Although probably best known for his role as presenter of Mastermind, Magnusson was also a prolific author and translator - publishing a history of the Vikings and co-translating Njal's Saga, The Vinland Sagas and King Harald's Saga.

Magnusson died on 7 January 2007 in Balmore at the age of 77.

QUICK LINK: Explore Viking Scotland with this map.

Magnus Magnusson timeline

• 12 October 1929 - Magnusson born in Reykjavik, Iceland
• 1960 - Begins translation work for the Penguin Classics series
• 1967 - Magnusson begins his broadcasting career with the BBC
• 1972 - Begins presenting the TV quiz show Mastermind - a role he will hold for 25 years
• 1989 - Awarded an honorary knighthood
• 7 January 2007 - Magnusson dies at the age of 77