Mr. Brown was born in 1951 and educated at Kirkealdy High School and Edinburgh University where he gained 1st Class Honours and then a Doctorate. He was Rector of Edinburgh University and Chairman of the University Court between 1972 and 1975. From 1976 to 1980, Mr. Brown lectured at Edinburgh University and then Caledonian University before taking up a post at Scottish TV (1980-1983).

After becoming an MP, Mr. Brown was the Chair of the Labour Party Scottish Council (1983-1984). Before becoming Shadow Chancellor he held two other senior posts on the Opposition front bench -- Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury (1987-1989) and Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary (1989-1992).

Mr. Brown has had a number of works published including Maxton, Politics of Nationalism and Devolution and Where There is Greed. He has edited a number of books including John Smith: Life and Soul of the Party, and Values, Visions and Voices.

Outside of work, Mr. Brown's interests include football, tennis and film.

Source: UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, June 1997