Rankin was born in
Garlieston in
Wigtownshire the son of Rev Oliver Rankin (1885–1954), minister of
Sorbie and his wife, Olivia Theresa Shaw. His father took the name
Oliver Shaw Rankin on marriage and became Professor of
Old Testament Language, Literature and Theology in the
University of Edinburgh. Rankin was educated at
Fettes College then studied mathematics at
Clare College, Cambridge, graduating in 1937. At
Cambridge he was particularly influenced by
J.E. Littlewood and
A.E. Ingham. In 1987 Rankin received the
Senior Whitehead Prize from the
London Mathematical Society. Rankin died in
Glasgow on 27 January 2001. ==Family==