Sir John A. Macdonald is credited with developing Canada's first transcontinental railway and founding the RCMP. (Library and Archives Canada) Canada's first prime minister was to be honoured Wednesday at a special ceremony in the Scottish Highlands.

Sir John A. Macdonald was born in Glasgow in the Lowlands of Scotland in 1815 and emigrated with his family to Ontario at age five. He became prime minister at Confederation in 1867 and served for 18 years, the second-longest term in Canadian history. His face adorns Canada's $10 bill.

A plaque in Macdonald's honour will be unveiled at a ceremony in Dalnavert, near Aviemore, Scotland. The ceremony coincides with Manitoba Day — honouring the province that Macdonald created and one that has an enduring bond to Scotland.

"Scotland has long enjoyed a close bond with Canada and its people," Scottish Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing, told the BBC. "It is a relationship which stretches back centuries and continues today with our strong social, cultural and economic links."

Macdonald is credited with developing the Canadian transcontinental railway and founding the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

"Sir John A. Macdonald is one of Scotland's most famous sons and had a huge impact on Canada and its people," Ewing said.

Queen Victoria knighted Macdonald in 1867. He died in 1891 at the age of 76. His son, Hugh John Macdonald followed him into politics, becoming premier of Manitoba and naming his residence in Winnipeg Dalnavert, which now houses a museum.