Henry Burns was born in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, in 1951 and was educated at St. Aloysius College, a private school in Glasgow.
[9] In January 2014 it was announced that Burns would step down as chief medical officer in April 2014 to take up the appointment of Professor of global public health at Strathclyde University.
[11] In December 2014, it was announced that Burns would join the Scottish Government's Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) to help look at the issue of inequality.
[12] In September 2016, the Scottish Government announced that he would chair an independent review of targets in Scotland's NHS, with an initial report and recommendations expected in spring 2017.
[15][16] His significant contribution to public life was also recognised by East Renfrewshire Council, who awarded him their highest honour, by making him an honorary freeman.