Iain has been a Member of the City of Edinburgh Council since April 1995 and represents Inverleith ward. He has been the Conservative Group Leader since January 2002, having previously had spells as group spokesman on housing and education.

Outwith the Council Iain is a Non-Executive Director of Lothian NHS Board. He has previously worked in the NHS, as a Conservative Party researcher in the Scottish Parliament and in retailing.

A Governor of Fettes College, Edinburgh and Director of EICC Ltd, a director of Edinburgh Leisure, Iain was a Director of the Pilton Partnership Ltd (1996-2003), a member of the Advisory Council of the Scotland Against Drugs Campaign (1996-1998) and Vice-chairman, Scottish Young Conservatives (1991/92). Iain has been a Scottish Conservative Candidate for both Scottish Parliamentary and Westminster elections in Edinburgh.

Iain was educated at Friend's School, Wigton, Cumbria, George Heriot's School, Edinburgh and the University of Edinburgh where he graduated in 1991 with a B.Sc. (Social Science) Degree.

Iain's personal interests include golf, Hibernian football club and cycling.