Born in Edinburgh, Peter moved to the Island of Bute as a young child where he was brought up and educated, and has remained in this rural community for most of his life, apart from a brief spell while studying at the University of Paisley where he received a BA (hons) in Business and Management.

Peter runs a floor covering business on the island where he lives with his wife and three children. He is a member of the Joint Campus Parent Council; and is actively involved in his local church as a Trustee.

He is  on the management committee of Fyne Homes, a registered social landlord, which provides high-quality affordable housing in Argyll & Bute. He presents a Christian music show on local community radio, Bute Island Radio, where he also serves as Secretary.

Peter previously served as Secretary of Bute Community Council for seven years, ensuring that the views of local people are represented at all levels of government - as well as to public and private bodies.

Peter has been a member of the Conservative Party for more than 15 years, and is actively involved in his local association. He stood as a candidate for the Bute ward in Argyll & Bute Council elections, and also campaigns for Holyrood and Westminster candidates, and actively campaigned for Better Together during the Scottish Independence Referendum.