Best known for his work with Nazareth (1980–83 and 1990–94), he also had a successful solo career, including a US hit single "Baby Come Back".

[2] Classically trained, he played cello at school and was granted a Scottish Region Music Scholarship in 1971, but preferred rock music to classical[1] as he said in an interview, 'I was probably earning more than my cello teacher and learning more than he could ever teach me just by being in a rock band.'

He joined Nazareth in 1980,[3] replacing a departing Zal Cleminson, and appeared on their albums Snaz (1981), 2XS (1982) and Sound Elixir (1983) before leaving the band.

He rejoined Nazareth in 1990,[3] this time replacing original guitarist Manny Charlton, and recorded No Jive (1991) and Move Me (1994) before leaving the band again in 1994.

Rankin worked as a truck driver with the supermarket chain ASDA before getting a job as a presenter.