Educated at the Edinburgh Academy and the University of Edinburgh, where he studied law, he was appointed a Writer to the Signet (WS) in 1927. His first heraldic appointment was as Carrick Pursuivant in 1946. He was promoted to Marchmont Herald in 1957 and then to Lord Lyon in 1969. He was also Secretary to the Order of the Thistle from 1971 until 1981. From his retirement as Lord Lyon in 1981, he again held the post of Marchmont Herald until his death later that year.
A dexter hand issuant proper, grasping a chevron couped Gules.
Escutcheon
Argent, a quill pen Or, feathered Gules between two manches Sable, on a chief of the Third three antique crowns of the Second. (the whole ensigned with a King of Arms crown gold, the cap Gules tasselled Or)