Sir Robert Bruce (1871-1955) was a journalist and editor of the Glasgow Herald.
p>Born in Alloa, Bruce was a political journalist in London when he joined the Parliamentary staff of the
Glasgow Herald in 1898. His uncanny instinct for a story, helped by his web of personal contacts, saw him rise to prominence. In 1914 he was appointed Assistant Editor, moving to Glasgow some months afterwards. He became Editor three years later and held the post until 1936.
Bruce's period as Editor was a turbulent time in politics, with coverage of events such as the First World War, the rise of the Labour Party, Red Clydeside, the General Strike and the Great Depression requiring clear insight. Although politically Conservative by nature, Bruce often took a independent line and acquired a reputation for fairness.
In an age when it was more usual for newspaper proprietors to be honoured, it came as something of a surprise when Bruce was knighted just one year after his appointment as editor. It was suggested that Prime Minister Lloyd George, a personal friend, had misunderstood a recommendation for the Chairman of the Outram Board.
Reference: GC 920.04 BAI, no.2360
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
editors, George Outram & Co, Glasgow Herald, newspapers, political journalists