Robert Laidlaw (politician)

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

He married Mary Eliza, d/o Captain W. Blow Collins and widow of W. L. Francis, of the India Office in 1879, and had surviving issue, three daughters – Ethel, Mildred, and Dorothy.

Robert Laidlaw began his business life in Hawick, and in the course of a few years he joined the wholesale textile trade in London.

Soon, Whiteaway opened branches in about 20 cities, in India and the Straits Settlements, including Shanghai, Singapore, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Taiping, Seremban, Klang, Malacca and Telok Anson.

A great philanthropist, entrepreneur and visionary, Sir Robert Laidlaw sponsored and financed many educational institutions in India and overseas including Calcutta Boys' School.