by Iain McKay
Sadly Robert Lynn died recently. His death is a great blow for the Scottish anarchist movement which has lost one of its oldest activists.
Born in Glasgow in 1924, Robert became involved in the anarchist movement during the Second World War. The 1943 apprentice strike had a profound effect on him and it was then he became an anarchist, joining very active and influential Glasgow Anarchist Group. He was a life long rank and file trade union activist and was soon recognised as a threat by both bosses and trade union officials.
As well as a shop-floor militant, Robert wrote numerous articles and booklets (such as 'Practical Anarchy' and 'Why Vote?') which helped bring many people to the ideas of anarchism. As he combined the ideas of egoism and syndicalism, Robert combined the roles of activist and theorist.
A great number of events were initiated by Robert especially the Glasgow Anarchist Summer School which is now becoming a tradition that attracts libertarian socialists from all over Britain. Sadly, he died just before this year's school and his last words were "oh fuck, now I'll miss the summer school." Even on his death bed he was still thinking about the movement.
His death on August 16th was a blow to his family, his many friends and comrades, and even also to his political opponents. He influenced many generations of anarchists in Glasgow and will be missed by all who had the good fortunate to know him.
