Jonathan George Cochrane was a consultant orthopaedic surgeon to St John's Hospital, Livingston, and Princess Margaret Rose Orthopaedic Hospital, Edinburgh. He was born on 17 November 1941 and was educated in Fareham and at Purbrook Park County High School. He began his career in London, qualifying from Guy's Hospital Medical School in 1965, where he later trained under Lord Brock, whose influence was evident during his early career, especially in his decision to become a surgeon. As a surgical registrar he worked at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, where he also completed a full general surgical training, as was customary at that time, before entering his chosen career of orthopaedic surgery. He obtained his fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1970 and became an orthopaedic trainee in Edinburgh under JIP James. Entrance into this highly regarded programme was very competitive, indicating that Jon's talent and skills were recognised early in his career. It was during this period and under the tutelage of JIP James and other highly regarded surgeons such as George Mitchell, Douglas Lamb, Jimmie Scott and John Chalmers that he first developed his general orthopaedic and trauma skills, in addition to an interest in amputees and their prosthetic management. At Bangour Hospital, West Lothian, he practised general orthopaedic surgery and managed trauma patients with competence and dedication. At Princess Margaret Rose Orthopaedic Hospital he looked after lower limb amputees, and undertook surgical treatment and prosthetic replacement. Academia was not something that especially interested Jon and his publication list was not great, however his interest and skill in treating patients and training medical students was superb. Jon was an innovative surgeon, renowned for his skill and compassion, highly thought of by his colleagues and recognised as someone to turn to for advice when managing complex surgical problems. As a person he was also an entertaining companion with an exuberant sense of humour and an opinion on most topics. A Scotsman, Jon was essentially returning to his roots when he went home to Edinburgh. He was an enthusiastic and skilled sportsman who both played in the first XI at Guy's and later avidly watched football, where later on his knowledge of the game made him a formidable armchair referee. Indeed he may have even taken up football as his chosen career if he had not been more attracted to surgery. Strangely though, despite being a Scot, he was a passionate supporter of Portsmouth football club. He also played golf, although more with optimism than success. He did however thoroughly enjoy his game, and was appointed skipper of the seniors at Luffness Golf Club. Jon was also an enthusiastic fisherman who was president of the Edinburgh Medical Angling Club, although apparently he was unable to catch a single fish during his period as president. A capable shot, he additionally took an active part in winter shooting. Jon Cochrane was a charming man, a great and compassionate colleague, but most of all a skilful orthopaedic surgeon who cared deeply for his patients - a skill that is really worth celebrating. He died on 24 October 2012 at the age of 70 and was survived by his wife Wendy, their daughter Philippa and son Harvey.