Norman Dott

Born in Edinburgh in 1897, Norman was set for a career in engineering but suffered a leg injury from a motorbike accident as a child. He became inspired to pursue a career in medicine during his lengthy hospital stay.

Norman became Professor of Neurosurgery in 1947 and performed many life-saving brain operations at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Bangour General Hospital.

He was instrumental in the establishment of the Department of Clinical Neuroscience which opened at the Western General Hospital in 1960 and consisted of medical and surgical neurology, imaging, rehabilitation and outpatient services.

Norman designed the operating theatres himself and included a reflector vaulted roof to prevent glare during operations.

Norman retired in 1963 and died in 1973. He was always known for his generosity to patients and the fascinating case notes from his career, which have been catalogued by Lothian Health Archives.