Personal and Professional
- I was born on the 7th May 1942 of British nationality
- I married Lena in 1969. She is a practising Radiologist of Swedish nationality
- I have three adult children
- I was educated at Loretto School in Musselburgh from 1955-59 and at the University of Glasgow (Bachelor of Law 1959-63)
- I was elected Dean of the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow between June 1998 and June 2001
- I was awarded the degree of Honorary Doctor of the University of Glasgow in October 2001
- I have practised as a solicitor and member of the Law Society of Scotland since 1965
- I was a partner from 1965 to 1998 in the law firm of Bird Semple Solicitors, Glasgow and Edinburgh
- I am able to work in the French language and conversationally in Swedish
- I am computer literate in Microsoft, Internet etc