Funeral of S&UN Stalwart Taken Place Today

The funeral of a former editor-in-chief of Scotland’s largest local newspaper group has today taken place, following his death last week.

Joe Kelly, who spent forty years at Scottish and Universal Newspapers – including an eight-year spell as editor-in-chief – died last Thursday at the age of 59 after a battle against cancer.

During over four decades in journalism, he was editor of the Hamilton Advertiser and also spent time in the same role at the Lothian Courier and Rutherglen Reformer.

Quoted yesterday in the Reformer, S&UN managing director, Bill Steven, said: “Joe was a terrific character who took great pride in his work and our papers.

“He was also a talented journalist and extremely able manager who has left an indelible mark on the company.

“Above all, however, he was a genuine guy and considered a real friend by the people with whom he worked. He will be sorely missed.”