Rev. Martin was reared in Paisley (near Glasgow). He studied electronic engineering at Robert Gordon’s Institute of Technology, Aberdeen. He spent twelve years in the European microelectronics industry as a semiconductor process engineer and equipment consultant before applying for the Free Church ministry in 1992. After a brief period in Stornoway as assistant minister, he was called to Bon Accord Free Church where he ministered six years. In 2003, Rev. Martin moved back to Stornoway. He and his wife Mairi, (born on Lewis) have six children.