Born the son of the late William and Bridie Hood on the 16th May 1948 in Lesmahagow.

Educated at Lesmahagow High School and Coatbridge College studying Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical & Electrical Engineering.

Further education at Motherwell College; (Mechanical Engineering) at the University of Nottingham
W.E.A ( Politics, Industrial Relations & Economics).

Married to Marion Stewart McCleary (daughter of Ronald & Rose McCleary) on the 28th January 1967.

Father to son William and daughter Helen Rose and grandfather to Levi Paris and Cody James Hood.

Member of AMICUS trade union.

Employed:- Trained as Mining Engineer in the Scottish Coalfield from 1964-68. Worked at Ponfeigh (Douglas) and Auchlochan (Coalburn No.9) Collieries.

Moved to Nottinghamshire Coalfield in 1968 as a coalface engineer and worked for 19 years until 1987.

First elected as Local Govenment Councillor 3rd May 1973, aged 24 years and was the youngest elected Miner's union official in Nottinghamshire Coalfield 2 October 1973.

Elected to Parliament 11th June 1987, succeeding the late Baroness Dame Judith Hart who retired after 28 years as Labour MP for the area.

Fellow of Industry and Parliament Trust; Shell UK and Mars.

Fellow of Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme; Army.

Recreations: Gardening, Reading, Writing.