former British government official
Bachelor, Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, England.
Member of Parliament from Galloway district, 1979-1983. Member of Parliament from Galloway and Upper Nithsdale districts, 1983-1997. Government whip, 1981-1986.
Under secretary of state for employment, 1986. Under-secretary of state Scottish Office, 1986-1987, minister of state, 1987-1990, secretary of state, 1990-1995. President board trade, secretary of state for trade and industry, 1995-1997.
Board directors Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc., Chang-Gung University PLC, European Telecom PLC, Murray Ventures Investment Trust PLC, Second Scottish National Trust plc. Deputy lieutenant Ayrshire & Arran.
Member Queen's Body Guard for Scotland, Glasgow Western Club, Prestwick Golf Club, Pratts Club.
Married Sandra Caroline Montgomerie, 1971. 2 children.