He attended Eastwood High School and then went to Edinburgh University, where he gained a first-class honours degree in natural philosophy (physics) in 1969.
He went on to obtain a Ph.D. at Trinity Hall, Cambridge in 1972, researching theoretical particle physics at the Cavendish Laboratory.
[1][2][3] As a nuclear physicist, Scott decided that although he was a capable researcher, he was in competition with potential Nobel Prize winners, and he was in a profession that was not very well paid.
[4] In 1972 Scott started to work for Ivory and Sime in Edinburgh, and he eventually led their pension fund business.
This approach was particularly appealing to a number of American clients and he found it helpful to emphasize the firm's Scottishness – wearing a kilt could be impressive.
[1][3] As well as rowing, he states his interests to be aviation (he has a pilot's licence), classic cars, gardening, and "rock 'n' roll".
[1][13] Scott is often described in the press as secretive or reclusive, and he avoids being photographed, but he is well known in the financial world and is "rather flamboyant" and ostentatious in his lifestyle.
[17] As well as living on the Côte d'Azur, Scott has a home at Henley-on-Thames where he is a supporter of the Henley Royal Regatta.