Born  in  Whalsay at East Burns  in 1886,  Andrew was the oldest living person in Whalsay when he was recorded for the School in 1971. By that time he preferred to recite rather than sing all or parts of a number of ballads and chants,  but he was formerly known as a fine singer.

Andrew  was also a keen collector of songs, stories and historical information.  He had an exceptional memory and was reputed to know the whole genealogy of the island.  For many years he was a fisherman and an elder of the church.