He was born in Aberdeenshire in 1940 into a Traveller family which had settled there. His family background was rich in tradition, and from his Aunt Jeannie Robertson, he inherited a huge repertoire of North East ballads. He was the Keyworker for the Heritage Lottery funded 'Oral and Cultural Traditions of Scottish Travellers' project from April 2002 until April 2005. As an acknowledged expert and member of the Traveller community, Stanley has documented his own lore and that of other members of this group, and promoted the cultural traditions of Scottish Travellers among young people, in schools and community groups, including young Travellers. Stanley's storytelling, however, is affected by the different trades at which he has worked, including his long years spent filleting in the Aberdeen fish hooses, where he has gathered many contemporary stories.

Stanley Robertson has been recognised at home and abroad as a master storyteller. He is a frequent broadcaster and has appeared regularly at storytelling festivals. He is an Honorary Founder of the Scottish Storytelling Forum.