Famous Scottish Journalists

Lorraine Kelly is a prominent Scottish television presenter known for hosting various popular television shows on ITV and STV. Her career spans from the late 1980s to the present, with notable roles including hosting Good Morning Britain, GMTV, This Morning, Daybreak, and her own show, Lorraine. In addition to her broadcasting work, Kelly has been recognized for her contributions to charity and journalism, receiving honors such as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Andrea McLean is a Scottish journalist and television presenter known for her work on ITV Daytime. She started her career as a weather presenter for GMTV and later became a co-presenter on ITV's daytime chat show Loose Women. Andrea has been a familiar face on television, showcasing her talent and charm to audiences for many years. Her return to Loose Women in 2024 reaffirms her popularity and success in the industry, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in British television.

Andrew Neil is a prominent British journalist and broadcaster known for his work in print and television media. He has held key editorial positions at The Sunday Times and has been involved with various political programs on the BBC and Channel 4. Neil has also been actively engaged in media ownership and management, serving as the chief executive and editor-in-chief of Press Holdings Media Group. Throughout his career, he has been associated with leading media outlets, including The Spectator and Sky TV, and has contributed significantly to political analysis and commentary.

Nicky Campbell is a well-known Scottish broadcaster and journalist with a career spanning over three decades. He began working in television and radio in 1981 and has been a network presenter with BBC Radio since 1987. Throughout his professional life, Campbell has established himself as a respected and versatile media personality, known for his engaging presenting style and insightful interviews. He has covered a wide range of topics and events, showcasing his expertise and passion for broadcasting.

Carrie Gracie is a Scottish journalist and newsreader known for her prominent role as the China Editor at BBC News. She gained attention when she resigned from her position in January 2018 due to what she believed was gender-based pay discrimination. Following her resignation, she briefly returned to her previous role in the BBC newsroom before announcing her departure from the corporation in August 2020 to explore other interests. Throughout her career, Gracie has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in the workplace.

Bertie Charles Forbes was a Scottish-American financial journalist and author known for founding Forbes magazine. Throughout his career, he established himself as a prominent figure in the world of finance journalism, providing insightful analysis and commentary on business and economic matters. Forbes' dedication to delivering high-quality financial reporting and his entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of Forbes magazine, which went on to become one of the most influential and widely-read publications in the business world. His legacy continues to shape the field of financial journalism today.

Alexander Chalmers, a Scottish writer, initially trained as a doctor but later transitioned to journalism, serving as the editor of the Morning Herald. Throughout his career, he published numerous editions of works by prominent authors such as Shakespeare, Beattie, Fielding, Johnson, and Pope. One of his notable contributions was the creation of a comprehensive General Biographical Dictionary spanning 32 volumes. Chalmers also produced a Glossary to Shakespeare, edited George Steevens's Shakespeare, and compiled the British Essayists series. His professional papers are now housed at the National Library of Scotland.

Jack Webster was a prominent Canadian journalist, radio, and television personality known for his significant impact on the Vancouver airwaves from the 1950s until his retirement in 1988. He earned the title of "king of the Vancouver airwaves" for his engaging and influential broadcasting style. Throughout his career, Webster was highly respected for his insightful interviews and hard-hitting journalism, which made him a household name in the industry. His dedication to providing informative and thought-provoking content solidified his legacy as a pioneering figure in Canadian media.

Alastair MacTavish Dunnett was a prominent Scottish journalist and newspaper editor, known for his editorial leadership at The Daily Record and The Scotsman newspapers. He later transitioned to a successful career in the business sector, notably serving as chairman of Thomson Scottish Petroleum and playing a key role in the establishment of the oil terminal at Flotta in Orkney. In addition to his professional endeavors, Dunnett was actively involved in various Scottish cultural activities, showcasing his diverse interests and contributions to society.

Charles Maclaren was a prominent figure in the fields of journalism and geology. He co-founded The Scotsman newspaper and served as its editor for an impressive 27 years. Maclaren also made significant contributions to the academic world by editing the 6th Edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica. He is particularly noted for being the first person to propose that Hisarlik was the historical site of Troy, showcasing his expertise and innovative thinking in the field of geology and historical research.

Gavin Esler is a Scottish journalist, television presenter, and author known for his work at the BBC. He was a main presenter on Newsnight and BBC News at Five, showcasing his expertise in political analysis. In addition to his broadcasting career, he also serves as the Chancellor of the University of Kent. Esler briefly left the BBC to focus on writing but later returned as the host of Talking Books. He also ran as a candidate for Change UK in the 2019 European Parliament election.

Edmund Hodgson Yates was a prominent figure in the British literary and journalistic scene of the 19th century. Known for his sharp wit and keen observations, Yates made a name for himself as a journalist, novelist, and dramatist. He was a prolific writer, contributing to various publications and producing several successful novels and plays. Yates' work often reflected the social and political issues of his time, and he was respected for his talent in both fiction and non-fiction writing.

George Douglas Brown was a Scottish novelist known for his influential realist novel The House with the Green Shutters. Published in 1901, the novel achieved critical acclaim and cemented his reputation as a significant literary figure. Despite his relatively short professional career, Brown made a lasting impact with his work, which delved into themes of social realism and the complexities of human nature. His writing style and insightful portrayal of rural Scottish life continue to be studied and appreciated by readers and scholars alike.