I was born in Perth, Scotland in 1959, later that year my family moved to Edinburgh, where I have lived ever since. I joined Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue
Service in 1978 and retired from the fire service in 2009 after just over 30 years of service. I had many posts in my distinguished career and one of my favourite postings was as a Station Commander in the Scottish Borders. During my time in the Fire Service I began a science degree with the Open University and graduated with honours in 1994.
In addition to my interest in science, I have always had a passion for music, poetry and plays. Although I enjoy a wide range of poetry styles, I particularly enjoy works written in rhyme and have a particular love of iambic pentameter verse found in Shakespeare’s plays. Most of my songs and poems are written in rhyme and I enjoy the challenge of writing sonnets. My first book, Octave, is an eclectic collection of songs and poems written in a variety of styles covering a wide range of subjects and themes.
I have an interest in the environment, sport, politics, history, travel, international and current affairs, English and classical literature. I am also interested in fine art and am as much in my element in an art gallery as I would be in a football stadium.
When not writing, I spend much of my time walking in the Pentland Hills and have climbed most of the Munros (Scotland’s mountains over 3000 feet). Iam a keen scuba diver and am a qualified scuba diving instructor. I am also a Marine Mammal Medic, qualified to rescue whales, dolphins and other marine mammals stranded on our beaches. I enjoy trekking, and have taken part in treks in Africa, many parts of Europe and the Himalaya.
I currently live in Colinton, Edinburgh with my wife Hilary, and I have two grown up daughters.
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