Born: London, November 1953.
Son of civil engineer.
Educated: Schools in Kirkcaldy and Musselburgh; Aberdeen University. Studied law.
Early work: Solicitor. Became advocate in 1984.
Family: Married to former Herald journalist Maggie Vaughan; two children.
Politics: Supported International Marxist Group before joining Labour aged 23. Became Lothian councillor.
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