Career
He had previously served as customs officer on East Falkland Island in 1907, in which position he supervised the activities of whaling companies
In 1912, Binnie became the first Resident Magistrate of Graham Land and the South Shetland Islands. In 1914, he was transferred to South Georgia. In 1922, he officiated at the funeral of Ernest Shackleton.
The Binnie Peaks of South Georgia are named in his honor.