Allan came from Rhodesia, or Zimbabwe, to Perth in 1969.
The McLean clan comes from the Island of Mull, where Duart Castle houses the McLean Clan Chief.

Allan grew up in Ndola the commercial centre of copper belt in northern Rhodesia (now Ndola is the third largest city in Zambia, with a population of 475,194).  Then it was part of the Central African Federation. The Central African Federation was created in 1953 by the union of the British colonies of Northern and Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

Important to Allan was the Ndola Golf Club, Victoria Falls, and his schooling in Africa.
Allan’s father came to Ndola in 1948 and immediately involved himself in the Golf club, being many times President, Club Captain and Champion. Also instigating the tournament called Cock of the North which became the richest golf tournament in Africa.

Allan’s father was chairman of the Central African Airways and also of the Railways which owned hotel at the Victoria Falls where the board meetings were held.
The Victoria Falls Hotel was built in 1904 and is today one of top 10 hotels in the world. There is a Game Park near the falls. Devil pool is the top of the Falls by the edge of Fall.

The African schooling that had an impact on Allan commenced with Ndola Catholic St Michael’s for Prep School, then Hartman House for Intermediate School, then the Jesuit St George College. Community life revolved around the Interschool sports. 

There is also the impact of Africa with its tribal people, traditional housing, and unique foods.
The Central African Federation of 1953 was in 1963 dissolved. Malawi gained independence in 1964. Zambia also in 1964 Zimbabwe in 1965.