Alister was educated at Fettes College in Edinburgh and at the University of Glasgow.

After graduating from university, he worked with various firms, before going on to join his family’s firm, A J & A Graham. Alister has 20 years' experience in private client work, with an emphasis on landed estates, tax planning and investments. He is also involved in the administration of charitable trusts. He is Vice Chairman of the Blue Triangle (Glasgow) Housing Association and President of the Old Fettesian Association. He lists fly-fishing and travel among his personal interests. Bringing his legal expertise and also his experience of charitable trusts, the SCAET is delighted that Alister has agreed to become a trustee, as of March 2008.