[2] He grew up in Deepdale, close to Preston North End's football ground, but was educated from the age of eleven at Penwortham Secondary Modern.

As a result of this he decided to return to England in 1988, and went back to work on the club circuit as a solo performer, releasing the albums Tidings (1990), Living in a Spanish Town (1993) and 2 Frets from the Blues (1995).

This was also the year of Steeleye Span's 35th Anniversary World Tour which took the band to Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, and to theatres and festivals throughout the UK.

He continues to write, tour and record as a solo artist, releasing the albums Thirteen Reasons in 2005 and Initial Variations in 2008.

In November and December 2010, he performed as "special guest guitarist" with Lancashire folk group the Houghton Weavers.

In 2017–2018 Nicol formed a trio with former Steeleye Span bass player Rick Kemp and 10cc drummer Paul Burgess.