- Carr's Glen Primary School - Belfast Royal Academy - Worcester College in Oxford - Queen's University where he obtained a postgraduate Diploma in Education.
- Former teacher he is now a member of Belfast Education and Library Board, the North Belfast Partnership Board and the Community Relations Council. |
- Elected to Belfast City Council in 1989 - member of the DUP since 2001 - High Sheriff of Belfast in 1997 - represented the Council on various bodies including the Ulster Museum and Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. |
- Northern Ireland Secretary of the Lord's Day Observance Society from 1983 to 1993 - Director of the Ulster- Scots heritage Council since 1997.
- Nelson is deeply involved in community work, and is Chairman of the Lower North Belfast Community Relations Council. |
- written several books including - Patrick and Apostle of Ulster. |