Constituency : Inverness Burghs 1885-92 ,1895-1906, Edinburgh ad St Andrews Universities 1910-12 ( from 1886 Liberal Unionist ) 1912-6 Conservative
Robert took over at Inverness Burghs when Charles Fraser-Mcintosh decided to contest the county seat instead. He saw off a strong challenge from an independent Liberal, Walter McLaren.
Robert was a doctor's son. He studied medicine at Edinburgh Academy and Edinburgh University but became a barrister instead.
Robert's first speech was moving the second reading of a Bill to reunite the Presbyterian churches in Scotland.
Robert went over to the Liberal Unionists in 1886. He was opposed by Robert Peel now reunited with Gladstone. The latter described Robert to Peel as " one of the keenest and most vehement adversaries to the policy which you and I think to be recommended by the broad principles of justice and by clear dictates of expediency". He represented "Toryism of the worst type, the Toryism which breaks up Empires, the Toryism of George III and Lord North ". Robert won by 273 votes.
Shortly after his re-election Robert was involved in the high profile Campbell divorce case which made his reputation.
He lost his seat in 1892 by 53 votes but regained it in 1895 and became Solicitor-General in Salisbury's government . He was knighted on appointment.
In 1900 Robert became Attorney General for England and Wales. He represented the British Empire in a number of international arbitrations.
Robert lost his seat in 1906 before returning in January 1910 for the university seat.
In 1912 Robert represented the White Star Line at the Wreck Commission on the Titanic sinking.
In 1916 Robert was created Baron Finlay in order to become Lord Chancellor in Lloyd George's government. He retired in 1919 and was upgraded to Viscount. He joined the Court of Arbitration in The Hague and then a judge in the Permanent Court of International Justice established by the League of Nations.
Robert created the Nairn Golf Club.
He died in 1929 aged 86.
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