He was educated at Rossall School in England, as his father hoped he would not acquire a strong Scottish accent.
[1] However, he decided to requalify as a lawyer, studying at the University of Edinburgh, where he joined the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB).
[1] When the Scottish Daily Worker ceased publication, MacEwen began working directly for the CPGB as the party's North East England District Secretary.
[3] The RIBA Journal MacEwen Award takes place annually, recognising architecture for the common good.
A monument to MacEwen is located in the wall of a sheepfold at Larkbarrow in Exmoor National Park.