He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, and afterwards joined his father in his shipping business, being from 1896 to 1905 managing director of the Moor line of cargo steamers.
He threw all the influence of the government against Crispi, who was charged with complicity in embezzlements perpetrated by Favilla, managing director of the Bologna branch of the Bank of Naples.
In 1837 the New Zealand Association was established, and he became its managing director.
In 1910 he returned to England, and took up the position of managing director of the traffic combine which included the Underground Electric Railway Co.
He is managing director of Peter Scott & Co Ltd, manufacturer and worldwide exporter of Scottish cashmere.