Ernie was educated in Kirriemuir and then at the University of Dundee where he graduated with an Honours Degree in Law in 1989 and a Diploma in Legal Practice in 1990. After working mainly in Forfar and Kirriemuir on Court, Agricultural, Private Client and Conveyancing work, he joined Miller Hendry in 1997. He became the Head of the firm's Private Client Department in 2009. Ernie advises clients on Wills, Powers of Attorney, Intervention and Guardianship Orders, Inheritance Planning and Executries. He has been appointed Guardian for a number of incapable adults. In addition, he administers a number of Private and Charitable Trusts. Ernie is Secretary of the Angus Committee of Tayside Valuation Appeal Panel and was appointed a part-time occasional Sheriff Clerk in Forfar. He has taught on the Private Client course in the University of Dundee Post Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. Ernie lives in Airlie, near Kirriemuir with his wife and their three children. When the seasons allow, he enjoys skiing and shooting.