Ian was born in Edinburgh and, after dalliances with the guitar, recorder, double bass, bugle and bagpipes, eventually started learning the clarinet at secondary school. He was soon playing with both school and regional youth orchestras, was appointed principal clarinet with The National Wind Band of Scotland(youth) , The Edinburgh Schools Concert Band and later played solo clarinet with The National Wind Band of Scotland.

While continuing his clarinet studies at The London College of Music, Ian acquired an alto saxophone and having taught himself to play was soon being invited to perform with various amateur Big Bands. This led to him developing his tripling skills as he added flute to his arsenal and the scene was set for Ian's future musical adventures.

Having completed his studies at the LCM, gaining both performance and teaching diplomas, Ian joined The Band of The Scots Guards. During his army service he performed on Tours throughout the world in many countries including America, Canada, Australia ,South Korea and New Zealand. He also played for many historic state occasions including The funeral of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, The handover of Hong Kong in 1997, 20 Queens Birthday Parades, around 250 performances at The Edinburgh Military Tattoo and over 1500 Changing the Guard ceremonies at Buckingham Palace! During the Gulf war 1990-91 Ian served as a medical assistant with 33 Field Hospital. After 22 years as an army musician Ian decided that the word "army" was surplus to requirements in his job description and he "marched off the square" into civy street in 2008.

Since then he has been a successful freelance clarinet/saxophone/flute player, based in London. and has regularly guested with many jazz, rock, soul and big bands including The London Swing Orchestra, The Sticky Wicket Swing Orchestra, The Denmark Street Big Band, The Astor Big Band, Jimmy James and The Vagabonds and The Glenn Miller Memorial Orchestra.

Ian is especially at home playing combinations of flutes, clarinets and saxophones in theatre pits and has also performed as an extra with orchestras including The Mariinsky Ballet Orchestra, The London Oratory Sinfonietta, Opera at Bearwood and The Matthew Jones Orchestra (backing stars including Boy George, Rick Astley, Lucie Silvas and Mica Paris in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support). As a chamber musician, Ian is a founder member of The Pentland Trio performing recitals of the Clarinet/Cello/Piano trio repertoire in venues such as St James’s Church, Piccadilly. 

Ian enjoys teaching and held the post of clarinet + saxophone teacher at Kimbolton school from 2010-2016. He is a regular player with The Young Persons Concert Foundation and is proud to be involved in their "Sinfonia" projects, giving orchestral experience and encouragement to primary school pupils in London. 

Ian deputised for Amy Roberts and then Trevor Whiting on various dates from 2013-2017 before becoming a regular member of The Big Chris Barber Band in September 2017.