Born in Paisley, he attended Castlehead High School and studied meteorology at the University of Reading.

Batty joined the Met Office as a weather observer at the School of Army Aviation at Middle Wallop airbase near Andover, Hampshire.

[3][better source needed] The event consists of female motorcyclists participating in a sponsored motorcycle ride round Scotland, and as part of the event the male motorcyclists who participate (often partners, friends and family of female participants) will dress up in fancy dress including decorated bras which are then judged as part of a competition at the event location where the ride ends.

[4] In September 2012, 16-year old Lee Glen was charged after leaving a barrage of anti-gay abuse and offensive expletives against Batty, via Twitter, in June of that year.

Glen appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court and admitted to posting a message to Batty that was grossly offensive, indecent or menacing in nature.