Timothy McCracken studied history at Lancaster University and the University of Copenhagen. He has previously researched and written Dumfriesshire in the Great War, which thematically explores cultural and social impacts of the First World War upon Dumfriesshire. He has also previously co-authored Langholms Roll of Honour, which profiles casualties and decoration recipients from Langholm in the First and Second World Wars. He has written feature articles, about historical topics, for local newspapers.