He had farming and property interests in North East Fife and had extensive knowledge of the international financial services industry, having worked in the sector for several decades and having later contributed his expertise on relevant committees in the European Parliament.

Purvis served as a second lieutenant in the Scots Guards (1956–1958) and graduated MA (Hons) from the University of St Andrews (1962).

[3] In this capacity he worked with fellow UK MEP Basil de Ferranti and others to propose harmonised standards across a wide range of goods.

During his 15 years as an MEP, Purvis produced a number of major reports which helped to shape EU policy – notably on biotechnology (supporting GM foods),[4] telecommunications and financial regulation.

He was also Chairman of Belgrave Capital Management in London,[14] and was for many years a Director of Kingdom FM Radio Ltd., Fife,[15][16] and Advisor to the Board of Elmwood College in Cupar (2012).