Robert was educated at Anderson's College, Glasgow, and at the University of Glasgow, taking the Scottish triple qualifications in 1884. After filling the post of medical officer of health of Unst, he settled in practice in Chelsea, where he was medical officer to the Royal Engineers and War Office employees. He joined the 1st City of London Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, at the rank of lieutenant and medical officer on 28th July 1911, being promoted to captain on 27th January 1915. He died at his home in Chelsea. Robert was the husband of the late Wilhelmina Margaret Ann Hamilton Donald.