'The Boy From Bute' - a documentary about Sir William Macewen

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow launched a documentary exploring the life and work of Sir William Macewen. 

Erskine is proud to share a special film created by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, celebrating the life and legacy of Sir William Macewen, the visionary surgeon and driving force behind the founding of Erskine, originally called The Princess Louise Scottish Hospital for Limbless Sailors and Soldiers. The film highlights Macewen’s remarkable contribution to medicine and his commitment to caring for those who served, values that continue to shape Erskine’s mission today. 

The Boy from Bute

Sir William Macewen: A Surgical Genius

In 2025, The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow launched a brand new documentary exploring the life and work of Sir William Macewen, a Scottish surgeon, lauded worldwide in his time for his groundbreaking surgical advances, yet largely forgotten today.

As a former Honorary Fellow of the College, we were keen to change this and bring his name back to greater recognition. This documentary tells his story – from his upbringing as the youngest of twelve children on the Isle of Bute, to his work in Glasgow, to becoming one of the most celebrated surgeons of his time who was hailed as the “father of neurosurgery”.
 
Alongside the documentary we also launched an exhibition to celebrate Macewen. William Macewen: At the Cutting Edge can be seen at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow until 17th July 2026. More information here.