Robert Laidlaw

Sir Robert Laidlaw KT (15 January 1856 – 3 November 1915) was a philanthropist, entrepreneur and British Liberal Party politician.

Early life and education He was born on 13 January 1856, at Bonchester Bridge, Roxburghshire, the son of William Laidlaw and Agnes Purdom. He was educated at Kirkton and Denholm Parish Schools.

Business career Robert Laidlaw started work in Hawick, and later joined the wholesale textile trade in London.

Political career

Laidlaw was a member of the Reform, National Liberal, and Glasgow Liberal Clubs. In January 1906, standing for the first time, he was elected Liberal MP for Renfrewshire East, at the General Election, gaining the seat from the Conservatives. He was defeated in the January 1910 United Kingdom general election and did not seek election again.

Laidlaw died on 3 November 1915, aged 59, at his home, 13 St Paul's Churchyard, London, and is buried at St. Luke's Cemetery, Bromley, Greater London.

He was a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.