Born in Edinburgh and schooled in Fife, McLaren was one of the most fêted young Scottish painters graduating from Edinburgh College of Art in the 1980s. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he was showered with awards and solo exhibitions. According to McLaren, some of his early influences included works from the Scottish Colorists and Post War Expressionists, many of which could be found on display at his native Kirkcaldy Museum. His work is represented in many public institutions and most important private collections of contemporary Scottish art. He has lived and painted continuously for the a couple of decades in his Orkney studio before moving to Fife.