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Tributes paid to 'legendary' one-paper journalist

Tributes have been paid to a ‘legendary’ journalist who spent his whole career at a weekly paper, following his death at the age of 78.

Harry Bremner worked at The Northern Scot, based in Elgin, Moray, for almost half a century apart from two years of national service, latterly as the sports editor then the local government correspondent.

His career at the paper began in 1947 as a trainee reporter, after he left school at the age of 14 and spent a year at commercial college learning shorthand, becoming the paper’s youngest ever chief reporter while in his 20s.

Such was his renown that, before his retirement from the paper in 1996, the local council decided to name a street after him – Bremner Drive in his home area of Bishopmill in Elgin.

  • Harry Bremner is pictured at the street named after him.
  • Former editor Pauline Taylor, who worked with him for more than 20 years, said: “Harry’s shorthand speed was phenomenal, and so was his knowledge of Moray – he was a walking reference book: he knew everyone and everything about the area.

    “‘Ask Harry’ was an oft-used phrase in the office, even after he retired. As local government correspondent, he knew more about the running of a local authority than some officials and most councillors.

    “As a colleague, Harry was generous with his advice. His disapproval was expressed in a few pithy words and a knowing look.

    “Harry was an unforgettable character, an ordinary man with an extraordinary talent. In the world of journalism, he was and will remain a legend.”

    Harry nurtured and trained a succession of young reporters, many of who went on to make their name in the national media.

    He was made a life member of the National Union of Journalists for his commitment to the industry, while in 1997 he received the Barron Trophy at the Highlands and Islands Press Awards.

    A tribute was also paid by Bob Stewart, director of environmental services at Moray Council, who said Harry’s shorthand ability was second to none and the accuracy of his reports was never questioned.

    He said: “There are few reporters that have ever gained that stature or credibility.”

    Harry died on Wednesday evening after a period of ill health and is survived by his wife Norma, son Graeme, daughters Karen and Nicola, and seven grandchildren.

    Comments

    retired (17/08/2010 11:52:14)
    Sounds a great LOCAL reporter who knew his patch and knew what he was talking about. Let’s hope there are some younger reporters with that dedication in the pipeline.

    semi-retired (17/08/2010 12:11:05)
    Never fear RETIRED. There are some brilliant young reporters out there. The trouble they are chained to their keyboards bashing out press releases so companies can feed the greed of shareholders by keeping staff to the bone.
    Still, once we are over the recession all the companies will be restoring staff levels, won’t they?

    probably-never-get-to-retire (17/08/2010 12:39:36)
    This guy sounds like a genuine legend and an example to other reporters. Unfortunately there’s not many of them left.