Duncan is married with three children and three grandchildren. His career was spent in local government and the civil service, but he is now retired. Duncan has a lifelong interest in the countryside, specifically the environment, recreation, rural transport and rural deprivation. 

Duncan became Chairman of Eden Rivers Trust (ERT) after a successful pollution compensation claim: involved in habitat restoration, conservation of fish stocks, improving access and the economic regeneration of the wider Eden Valley. Duncan has a number of active interests including walking, cycling, motor-cycling and fly-fishing. He is Chairman of the Youth Work in Cumbria Partnership and of Fellrunner Vilage Bus. His ambition is to see the CROW Act implemented with the support of all those with interests, and as far as possible, consensus.