Stuart was born and educated in Stirling and worked in the city as an antique dealer for 45 years. Stuart has been involved in several charitable organisations for many years, these include being Deacon Convener of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Stirling, past Deacon of the Incorporation of Hammermen, Governor with the Stirlingshire Educational Trust, tour guide and researcher at Bannockburn House, member of the Ministry of Welcome at the Church of the Holy Rude, Vice-Chair of Stirling Local History Society and a committee member on the Stirling Marches Court.

The Deacon Convener of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Stirling holds an ex-officio position as an Independent Patron of the Cowane’s Hospital Trust. More information about the Seven Incorporated Trades of Stirling can be found at https://stirlingtrades.wordpress.com/home/