Gillian Tait was born in Edinburgh, and studied at the University of Edinburgh and the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. She was employed for many years in the field of fine art conservation, and has written and edited several technical publications. More recently, she has been working as a researcher and editorial assistant, while continuing to indulge her passions for foreign travel and singing. She has lived in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town for the past 30 years.