Boy, 13, one of Scotland's first to undergo innovative brain surgery

The father of a teenager who underwent innovative robotic surgery for a brain tumour has spoken of his relief after seeing the first signs of his son's recovery.

Toby Peart, 13, from Strathpeffer in the Highlands, was one of the first patients in Scotland to undergo surgery using 3D technology.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said it has become the first in Scotland to install the B 3D exoscope technology, which is designed to enhance precision during complex brain surgery.

Doctors had warned the family that the operation could affect Toby's speech as well as movement and sensation on the left side of his body- but he was able to get movement back in a matter of days.

Speaking on BBC's Radio Scotland Breakfast, his dad Marc said some of those effects were initially apparent after surgery.

Marc said: "We were told it could impact on speech, it could certainly have impact on sensation and movement on his left hand side when he came out of surgery, some of that as evident.

"We knew Toby, in terms of his personality was still there. He's a good lad and his manners are always lovely. And the first thing he said was 'Dad, can I get a drink, please'."

Toby began experiencing pins and needles and pain in his left leg in April 2025 and his symptoms became progressively worse over the course of several months.

He had an MRI scan at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness in November which found he had a brain tumour, and within days he was referred to the Glasgow facility for specialist treatment.

An operation was recommended after further investigations confirmed a tumour measuring about 13–14mm on the right side of his brain.

The day after surgery Toby was already on the mend.

Marc continued: "I woke up with him saying, dad, dad look, he was holding his left hand up with his right hand and he just said 'my fingers are doing fingery things'."

Toby's movement improved over the next 24 hours and he was discharged from hospital the following week, just in time for Christmas.

The teenager was then able to re-join his classmates by returning to school for the new term in January.

The 3D exoscope helps surgeons view and deal with brain tumours. It provides "exceptional" image quality, powerful illumination and enhanced depth perception.

Roddy O'Kane, consultant neurosurgeon at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "Traditionally, neurosurgery meant working for hours with your eyes fixed to microscope eyepieces.

"This technology allows us to operate upright while gaining views and angles that simply aren't possible with conventional microscopes.

"For children undergoing brain surgery, that enhanced visualisation can make a real difference.

"The ability to see more clearly and reach more effectively supports safer surgery and, ultimately, better outcomes."

Emer Campbell, clinical lead and consultant neurosurgeon at the health board, said: "We're delighted to have this technology in place.

"Beyond the clear benefits for our patients, we're already seeing how it enhances teamwork, workflow and training in theatre."