Thomas was born in Greenock in 1960 and went to school in Gourock. As a teenager, he won the Scott Lithgow’s Higher Engineering Drawing Prize and also awards for school art. Also, as a teenager, he was part of the Ships Company of HMS Dalriada at Eldon Street, Navy Buildings.

In 1977 Thomas entered Naval College in England (SSMTC), graduating as an Engineering Officer in the Merchant Navy in 1981. He also took senior certificates at Glasgow Nautical College where he qualified with a Class 1 Motor FG in April 1993 – British Chief Engineers Licence Unlimited.

During a 44-year career, he visited most countries with a coastline and without and took the opportunity to photograph the many varied places. Thomas has a keen interest in watching Rugby Union having played for a selection of clubs in the 70’s and 80’s, including Greenock Wanderers and the Isle of Bute.

He is presently a registered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineers and has been a past Chairman of IMarEST Scotland three times.

His passion to sketch and paint was reignited during Lockdown. His favourite medium being Gouache paints. His favourite subjects being local West of Scotland land and seascapes with their turbulent skies, with ‘Sepia’ old photograph interpretations.