Early life

Peter Stewart Macliver was the son of David Macliver of Kilchoman, Islay. He was educated at Glasgow High School and University of Glasgow.  He married Anne Miller of Glasgow in 1842 and they had at least one son,David, who sadly predeceased him.

Career

Peter was a Scottish journalist and newspaper owner. He worked as part proprietor of the Newcastle Guardian, which is where he met Walter Reid who is also buried in Arnos Vale. He co-founded the Western Daily Press with him.

Running a newspaper in the 19th century was financially challenging and advertising and newspaper taxes had not long been repealed. In addition there were duties on paper until 1861. Newspaper publication was an expensive business. However despite this adverse environment the first edition of the Western Daily Press came out on 1 June 1858, a penny broadsheet comprising 4 pages. Although based in Bristol the Press circulated throughout Gloucester and into the neighbouring counties of Somerset and Wiltshire even extending into South Wales. Under the guidance of Reid and the support of Macliver the paper was a great success.

Southwest successes 

Macliver co-founded the Western Daily Press in 1858 and started the Bristol Observer in 1859 and then the Evening News in 1871. At the 1880 General Election Macliver was elected MP for Plymouth holding the seat until his defeat in 1885. He was a Justice of the Peace in Bristol.  He was also the President of the Provincial Newspaper Society.

Death

Macliver died at his home in Cotham Park, on 19 April 1891 at the age of 70, ouliving both his wife and son.

Anne Macliver wife died 11 December 1859

David Macliver son died 10 July 1888