Born in Ayr in 1960, Rory obtained a Diploma in Graphic Design from Cardonald College, Glasgow in 1980. He went on to study Fine Art in St Martin's School of Art, graduating with Honours in 1985.

Rory started his creative career as a Graphic Designer and Technical Illustrator in Scotland and then as a Textile Designer in London.

He is currently artist and Committee Member of the Paisley Art Institute, Elected Artist Member of Glasgow Art Club and Artist Member of The Royal Glasgow Institute of The Fine Arts.

He exhibits widely throughout the UK and qualified as one of the four finalists of The Aspect Prize, one of the largest prizes for painting in the UK.

In 2009 he won the David Cargill Prize at the RGI.