Alistair Stuart MacLean was born in Daviot, Scotland. He grew up on the family farm in the Scottish Highlands. In 1937, the family moved to Glasgow where Alistair was educated at Hillhead High School. His first job was as a shipping office clerk. In 1941, he joined the Royal Navy. Eventually he became a Leading Torpedo Operator. At the end of the war he returned to Glasgow to complete his education at the University of Glasgow. He obtained an honours degree in English Literature. MacLean became an English and History Master at a school just outside Glasgow. In 1949, he met a German girl, Gisela Heinrichsen, and got married. MacLean spent his spare time writing short stories. His first story, 'The Cruise of the Golden Girl', was published in Blackwood's Magazine in 1954. In 1955, his first novel was published which became an immediate bestseller. After this success, he resigned as master and moved with wife and child to Switzerland. In 1963, MacLean retired from writing and became a businessman. He bought four hotels and spent three years as an hotelier. During this period he was approached by Hollywood producer Elliott Kastner, who wanted him to write an original screenplay. MacLean did so and was back in the writing business. In 1971, he met the actress, Marcelle Georgius and fell in love with her. He divorced Gisela in 1972. In 1976, he attempted a reconciliation with Gisela. That didn't work although the couple remained on good terms. MacLean died in Munich after a series of strokes. He was buried in Switzerland. MacLean also wrote under the pseudonym 'Ian Stuart'.