The son of an International Banker from Glasgow and Irish Nurse, he was born in the Zambian copper belt in 1973 and grew up in Africa, India and the Arabian Gulf whilst being educated in England at Ampleforth College. After graduating from the University of Reading began broadcasting career as a freelance writer for BBC Radio 4 before moving into award-winning documentary films.
Attended Ampleforth College with England Rugby Captain, Lawrence Dallallio, Irish Captain, Simon Easterby and was in the same house as broadcaster James O'Brien.