Scotsman Obituaries: Dr Roger Wild, respected radiologist, teacher and author
Dr Stephen Roger Wild, consultant radiologist. Born: 8 July 1942 in Huddersfield. Died: 18 April 2026 in Edinburgh, aged 83
Roger Wild attended King James School in Huddersfield. He recounted with amusement that his headmaster told his mother, “Roger isn’t bright enough to do pure science, so we think he should do medicine”. He graduated from Edinburgh University medical school in 1967.
Following an early interest in surgery and paediatrics he was drawn to radiology, taking up his Consultant post at the Western General Hospital in 1975. At that time, he also held paediatric sessions at the Sick Children’s Hospital. He gave these up in 1986 to be based full time at the Western and in 1992 began a long innings as clinical director.
In the Eighties and Nineties, Edinburgh trainees came to the Western to begin their ultrasound training under Roger. By then he had become a national figure in diagnostic ultrasound, involved in its development across multiple specialties including paediatrics, obstetrics, gynaecology and urology.
He remained a brilliant general adult radiologist. The author of many scientific papers, he helped trainees to publish their own research and thus enhance their CVs.
More broadly, he led the radiology department at the Western with great distinction, creating an unmatched esprit de corps and an intense loyalty.
He had excellent relations with other departments both clinically and through his role as an effective manager. In his day, the annual WGH staff dinners were very well-attended by the radiology department.
His relatively early retirement in 2001 left an irreplaceable vacancy at the Western. Having been elected an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians due to his exceptional contribution to medical practice, he was active on the committee of the Senior Fellows Club, and enjoyed attending the meetings with other retired colleagues.
Raised in Huddersfield, Roger was the oldest son of Harry, an actuary, and Mary (nee Brooks), a businesswoman and dress shop proprietor. His younger brother John completed the family.
In 1969 he married Rosemary Rogers, a speech therapist he met through university social circles and they had Harriet, Louisa and Matthew.
Together Roger and Rosie were an indomitable force, sociable and lively. As an escape from medical life, they took on the restoration of the old lighthouse keepers’ cottages on Little Ross Island, Dumfries and Galloway, building up a home-from-home and a walled garden, hosting many parties and quiet retreats for friends and family over the years. The fact it was on an island reflected Roger’s love of sailing and the sea.
Retiral for Roger did not mean a quiet life as he and Rosie continued to travel extensively and engaged in their love of the arts, theatre and music.
Roger loved walking, surrounded by nature, but also stayed active with curling and Scottish country dancing. In quieter moments Roger keenly followed the England cricket team and other sports. He was well read and loved a good book discussion, remaining a convivial conversationalist to the end.
A daily reader of The Scotsman since moving to Scotland on the early 1960s, he also latterly became a regular contributor to the letters page, sharing his thoughtful and wonderfully cynical views on home and world affairs.
Roger will be remembered with great affection by all who knew him. Roger is survived by his younger brother John, Rosemary, Harriet, Matthew, their partners and by his beloved grandchildren Alfie, Mathilda and Corey. They miss him dearly.
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