Both of his parents were born in Shetland, although his paternal grandfather was a surgeon general in the Indian Medical Service and spent much of his working life in India, serving in wars in Afghanistan and Burma.
[1][2][3][4] His father was a doctor and the family moved to Aldington in Kent during McVittie's childhood.
[8] He was chosen to keep wicket in the annual Rest v Lord's Schools match and for Young Amateurs v Young Professionals in his final year at school and played Second XI cricket for Kent whilst still a schoolboy.
He did not win a Blue, but played in three first-class matches for the university during 1929, making his debut against Glamorgan in May.
[5][6][10] After having "some success" as a racehorse trainer, McVittie served in the Welsh Guards during World War II.