Martin Compston grew up in his hometown of Greenock, in Inverclyde (a part of Renfrewshire). He spent his teen years going to see his soccer team Celtic with his brother Barry and dreamed one day he would play for them. He attended St. Columba's High School in Gourock, Inverclyde, in which he passed through his Standard Grade Exams and obtained 3 "A"s and 2 "B"s in his Higher results. He left school after his fifth year to pursue his dream as a footballer and was soon signed by Morton Football Team.

In 2000, director Ken Loach discovered him at an audition at his old high school and gave him the lead role in Sweet Sixteen (2002). The movie was filmed in Martin's home area including: Greenock, Gourock, Inverkip, Kilmalcolm and Wemyss Bay. The film was a huge success which shot Martin into full view of the public and even gave some fame to Inverclyde. However, many councillors thought that this was bad publicity as the film was to do with drugs and underage drinking. However, Ken Loach then made a statement that the movie was not based on Greenock and Inverclyde - but was only filmed there, as that was where Martin was located.
At 17, Martin was playing Division II soccer in a Scottish high school, and had never acted until being discovered by director Ken Loach, who cast him as lead in _Sweet Sixteen (2002)_ . Plays professional football for Greenock Morton in Scotland. Sweet Sixteen is his first film and is being critically acclaimed at the 2002 Cannes Festival in France. Attended St. Columbus High School Gourock, Inverclyde (a part of Renfrewshire). Left school at the end of his fifth year in High School to be signed by Greenock Morton Football Club. Obtained As and Bs in his exam results in school. Fought with the local council to have Sweet Sixteen reduced to a certificate 15 in his area for the teenagers to learn from Liam's mistakes. The battle was successful. His favourite actress is Sharon Stone.