The family name was originally Skirving; the name Scot came from Robert's paternal grandmother and the two names were used after the marriage. His early schooling was at the local school at Haddington, and later he went to the Edinburgh Academy. At the age of twelve he went to the Royal Naval Academy at Southsea and passed his examinations qualifying him to join the Navy, but unfortunately he was a few weeks too old. He then joined the training ship of the Merchant Navy, the Conway, and later sailed the seas as an apprentice in merchant ships, making many long voyages, one of which was to Australia. In 1876 at the age of sixteen, he decided to study medicine at Edinburgh and qualified in 1880. He was appointed to the resident staff at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and there came under the influence of J Spence and Joseph Lister. He was also assistant to Argyll Robertson.

In 1882 he emigrated to Australia at the suggestion of his old fellow- student, Thomas Anderson Stuart, making a hard voyage in an immigrant sailing ship. Soon after arrival he was appointed medical superintendent of the Prince Alfred Hospital - the second person to hold this post. He resigned in 1883 and was appointed honorary physician (he held this appointment until 1912 when he was made consultant). He started a private practice in Elizabeth Street, and was quickly successful. He had a striking personality and was of sound physique and strong handsome features.

In 1889 he was appointed honorary surgeon to St Vincent's Hospital which he served until retirement in 1923. This was a unique combination of appointments, but he was distinguished in both spheres, and made a great reputation as a clinician and teacher. The combination of appointments probably operated against outstanding success either as a physician or surgeon, though his prestige as a consultant was high.

He continued to love the sea and its little boats of which he built several, also qualifying as a navigator of yachts, and writing an authoritative book on wire splicing. He served as a volunteer in the medical service in the South African War, which he found unsatisfactory. During this time he wrote a novel,Love and Longitude. In World War I he again gave his services and was appointed surgeon at the Millbank Hospital for Officers in England, where he handled a great deal of formidable surgery. In 1915 he suffered the loss of his eldest son, Archie, who was a doctor but was killed while serving as a combatant on Gallipoli.

In his later years he practised in Macquarie Street as a tenant of his old friend Sir Alexander MacCormick. He cherished many old and young friends who sought his interesting company. For some people he had undisguised dislike which he could express in colourful language. He had a great command of English based on a good knowledge of the Bible and a love of poetry and literature. He expressed his ideas with histrionic talent, and was a memorable speaker. Always taking an active interest in professional affairs, he was recognised by being made a foundation Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons also of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

In 1885 he had married Lucy Hester and they had two sons. In his latter days he lived at Bellevue Hill, and enjoyed sailing on the harbour. He had no time for `games with little balls'. His love of medicine never slackened and as long as possible he enjoyed attending medical gatherings. In the last years of his life he suffered from the physical infirmities of age and was saddened by loneliness and anxiety for the human race. He said he was tired and died on 15 July 1956, at the age of ninety-six.