Soldier. Born at Kilgraston, SW of Bridge of Earn (Perth and Kinross), the brother of painter Sir Francis Grant (1803-78).
Grant went to India in 1844, where he distinguished himself. He fought in the Sikh Wars (1845-9), being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 1849 and serving under Colin Campbell, later Lord Clyde (1792 - 1863). Following Grant's contribution to putting down the Indian Mutiny (1857-8), he was knighted and promoted to Major-General. In 1860, he sailed with his troops from Calcutta to Hong Kong and defeated the Chinese three times, brought about the surrender of Peking (Beijing) and the signing of a new peace treaty. This was widely regarded as superbly executed campaign and in 1862 Grant was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Madras Army.
On his return to Britain, he used his experience to transform tactics and training within the army. He introduced both the concept of the war game and military lectures to his command at Aldershot and showed genuine concern for the welfare of his troops.
He was buried in Grange Cemetery in Edinburgh.