Ian McCaskill


(John Robertson McCaskill)

1938 - 2016

Meteorologist and broadcaster. Born in Glasgow, the son of an insurance agent, McCaskill educated at Queen's Park School and the University of Glasgow. He began working in 'weather' during his National Service (1959-61). He joined the Meteorological Corps of the Royal Air Force and was stationed first at RAF Kinloss then at RAF Akrotiri (Cyprus). He joined the UK Government Meteorological ('Met') Office in 1961, spending time at Prestwick Airport. In 1978 he moved to the London Weather Centre and became a member of the BBC's weather forecasting team. As such he became a national institution, presenting daily weather forecasts and gaining the dubious honour of being portrayed as a Spitting Image puppet. However, he infamously failed to warn of the severe storms which hit Britain in 1987. He retired from the Met Office and the nation's television screens in 1998. Since his retirement he has proved a popular celebrity, appearing as a guest on various programmes, such as Have I Got News for You (1998), Celebrity Fit Club (2002), Through the Keyhole (2004), and as the voice behind several advertisements.

McCaskill lived near Beaconsfield (Buckinghamshire, England).


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