25 Jan Obituary Martyn H.C.Webster
December 24, 1939 – January 25, 2026
Martyn Hector Cochrane Webster, the eminent Scottish plastic and reconstructive surgeon, internationally recognized for his pioneering work in microsurgery and breast reconstruction passed away on January 25, 2026, at the age of 86.
Martyn and his twin Robin were born on Christmas Eve 1939, the sons of Gordon and Sheila Webster.
Martyn studied medicine at Glasgow University, graduating in 1963. He married Shery Rogers in 1964. They had four children, Amanda, Emma Jo, Toby and Timothy.
After working for four years in pathology at Glasgow Royal Infirmary he started surgical training in 1968. Three years later he joined the Canniesburn Regional Plastic Surgery Unit, eventually becoming Consultant and Senior Lecturer in 1976. Martyn inherited Acland’s microsurgical laboratory in Canniesburn and developed one of the first training courses in microsurgery in 1977. These courses were to continue for more than 40 years. He was a catalyst for immediate and perforator flap breast reconstruction and published in 1986 the influential textbook Practical Guide to Free Tissue Transfer together with David Soutar.
Martyn’s phenomenal generosity will always be remembered. For many years he hosted Canniesburn course delegates after dinner at home with his wife Shery. Leaving unforgettable memories. Martyn was President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) from 1994-1995, and President of the European Association of Plastic Surgeons (EURAPS) from 2000-2001. From the first EURAPS meeting in Strasbourg in 1990, Martyn was a welcome participant, iconic for his gentle, calm manner, bonhomie, and colourful bow ties.
Following his retirement from the NHS in 2006, Martyn continued to dedicate significant time to ReSurge Africa, a charity focused on training local doctors in West Africa. He was instrumental in establishing burns units at the Korle-Bu Hospital in Ghana and in Sierra Leone.
Martyn Webster is survived by his wife Shery, three of his children, seven grandchildren and twin brother Robin