He began his acting career in 1937 starring in minor roles in UK Television.

From 1946 to 1951 he played the role of Jock Anderson in Dick Barton – Special Agent.

McCrindle was a founding member of the actors' trade union Scottish Equity.

[3] McCrindle's second wife was the children's novelist and political activist Honor Arundel (1919–1973).

[2] According to Doris Lessing, McCrindle and Arundel's home in the 1950s was a hub of Communist Party activity and organisation.