 Previously he had been studying English and History at Glasgow University but his mining experiences seemed to have help determine that an already strong interest in the visual arts developed into a need to paint.On his father's side of the family were several generations of Lochwinnoch furniture designers and manufacturers; many of the great, Clyde-built liners were fitted out with Lochwinnoch furniture and decorative woodwork.His father, Robert, in his spare time was active in the local art society and went to drawing classes, even painting portraits of locals' prize pets or racing pigeons.