Born and raised in sunny Leith, he like many stooriefits now resident in Peebles was educated at Leith Academy.

Alex, his wife Anne and daughter Kirsten moved to Peebles in 1975. This was brought about by his employers The Meat & Livestock Commission appointing him to a position covering the Borders, although he was no stranger to Peebles as his Brother in Law "Hammy - a Guiterbluid", his Sister in Law and his Nephews were already a regular port of call on weekends and holidays.

Alex's involvement in Peebles Highland Games began in 1980 when the Peebles Highland Games Committee requested assistance with the use, erection and dismantling of tents from Peebles Boys Brigade. He was Chairman of Peebles Highland Games Committee from 2003-2008.

 Alex's involvement with Peebles life began with running the Junior Section of the Boys Brigade and then becoming captain for 8 years whilst his daughter was an officer in both the Junior Section and the Anchor Boys and his wife was the leader in charge of the Anchor Boys. At that time 1st Peebles company boasted a membership in excess of 120 boy.

A keen member of St Andrews Badminton Club, Innerleithen Golf Club and previously Lochend Golf Club. Alex maintained these interest until his health no longer permitted and now contents himself by keeping his garden trim and tidy.

An Elder with St Andrews Leckie Church, having amassed a total of 46 years service with "the Leckie" and his previous church St Thomas's Leith, where he and his wife were Sunday school teachers and founder leaders of a youth club of all denominations where a membership of 200 persons was normal.

Alex is accompnied today by his daughter Kirsten, Principal Teacher of Health & Wellbeing at Peebles High School andhis Grand daighter Caitlin (love of his life) as his wife is on a trip to the far East, an outing Alex gladly declined to become Chieftain today.