Obituary: Robin Keay, Perthshire Advertiser editor for 32 years

Robin was at the helm of the bi-weekly paper for 32 years, having joined The Courier in Dundee as a reporter before being appointed one of the youngest editors in the country at the age of 29.

Family man Robin was a native of Dundee, the son of David and Jean and a younger brother to David and Frankie.

He was educated at Harris Academy in Dundee, excelling in English and history, and maintained lifelong friendships from his schooldays.

After leaving secondary education, he helped his one-time GP father maintain a farm he had bought in Kirriemuir, while brother David completed an agricultural college course.

But journalism was Robin’s true vocation and after gaining experience with DC Thomson, he was lured to Perth, overseeing far-reaching changes from the “hot metal” era of print and typewriters to the advent of computers during his time in the Fair City, and leading celebrations marking the paper’s 150th anniversary in 1979.

On his watch, which also included responsibility for the Blairgowrie Advertiser and the Strathearn Herald, the “PA” was hailed Scotland’s Weekly Newspaper of the Year and his team garnered a clutch of individual awards.

Crieff-based Alex Cargill, retired managing director with Scottish and Universal Newspapers, paid warm tribute to Robin, describing him as “one of the most respected editors in a group which included 33 titles”.

He noted: “Robin was highly regarded by civic dignitaries, council officials and business leaders, which was testimony to the high profile he enjoyed in the community.

“During his time as editor he faced many challenges, particularly with the upheavals generated by changing technology, and his professionalism always shone through.

“It was no coincidence the PA was consistently one of the most successful publications in the group under his leadership, posting record circulation figures.

“One of the paper’s most successful campaigns was working together with the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce in promoting ‘Take a Pride in Perth’.”

Robin’s long-standing deputy editor and chief reporter Les Stewart echoed those sentiments.

“The introduction of new technology to the industry posed unprecedented challenges for everyone involved, but Robin managed to steady the ship and navigate those troubled waters,” he said.

“As the editor of respected community titles, Robin was quietly effective and loyal to his staff.

“He was aware he had pieced together a talented editorial team and allowed them freedom to play to their individual strengths.

“Very few newspaper editors spend more than 30 years in the role and, looking back, his retiral heralded the end of an era.”

A stylish golfer and a single handicap player in his heyday, Robin was a past captain at Auchterarder Golf Club and was a keen member at Kirriemuir when he put down roots in the Angus town.

He continued to enjoy regular “cuppas” with friends in the clubhouse even as ailing health forced him to hang up the clubs.

The lure of golf took him to The Gleneagles Hotel after taking early retirement from the newspaper industry in 2002.

Initially Robin relished the opportunity to get behind the wheel of smart cars chauffeuring golfers from home and abroad, often taking up invitations to join hotel guests on Scotland's finest courses.

Always an unassuming “people person,” he went on to become a starter on the renowned King’s Course, welcoming golfers, including celebrities, to the first tee in an ambassadorial role.

He featured in a hotel marketing campaign as one of three starters with more than 60 years’ service among them.

Robin enjoyed rubbing shoulders with household names in charity and pro-am events, with Sir Sean Connery, Ronnie Corbett and more recently, Ronan Keating, among those whose company he enjoyed.

Despite hailing from a journalistic background, discretion prevented him sharing tales with friends and family, with a role supporting security during the 2005 G8 Summit attended by Prime Minister Tony Blair, President George W Bush and global poverty campaigners Bob Geldof and U2’s Bono remaining shrouded in mystery.

In his younger days Robin was a keen curler, before a back injury limited his appearances at rinks in Perth and Dundee, and he served as chairman of the Round Table in the Fair City.

He and his wife Jane, or Davina as she was also known, loved their sun-kissed holidays on the Greek island of Aegina and were welcomed back warmly year after year.

Robin married in 1964 and he was predeceased by his wife three years ago.

They are survived by daughter Carole, grandchildren Sam and Katie, and great grandchildren Luca, Oliver, Oscar, Alfie, Jude and Orla.

A celebration of Robin Keay’s life will be held at Perth Crematorium tomorrow at 10am.

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