Born in the mining town of Cumnock, Ayrshire in 1959, Allan attended Glasgow School of Art, 1977-81, gaining B. A. Honours Degree in Fine Art: Drawing & Painting, under the tutelage of David Donaldson, Duncan Shanks and Sandy Moffat.

Allan was a Principal Teacher of Art for 21 years and the Painting Tutor with Auchinleck Adults Community Art Group, 1993-2014

Allan is a Landscape Painter and a Poet who is inspired mainly by nature; the changing light and the Scottish landscapes of Ayrshire, Argyll and The Hebrides. Working mainly in oils; pastels and pen & ink, Allan’s style ranges from the naturalistic to the semi-abstract. To date he has produced the following Poetry and Drawing Publications as author William Allan McMillan: ‘Stars and Fireflies,’2017, ‘A Sunfall of Rainshine,’ 2020, ‘Drawings and Poems’ 2023, available on Amazon, ‘The Year’s Turning’ 2025.

Instagram: @allanmcmillanart