Martin studied medicine at Aberdeen University, where he graduated in 1988. In 1992 he attained qualifications in Broadcasting and Gàidhealtachd studies from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye. In the same year he won the first William Ross Prize for Gaelic Writing.

In 2003 MacIntyre won the Saltire Society First Book of the Year Award for his book, Ath-Aithne (Reacquaintance) (CLÀR), a collection of Gaelic and English short stories. He followed this with a Gaelic ‘real-time’ novel, set in Edinburgh: Gymnippers Diciadain (Wednesday Gymnippers)  (CLÀR), which was shortlisted for the Saltire Society Book of the Year in 2005.

His first bi-lingual collection Dannsam Led Fhaileas / Let Me Dance With Your Shadow was published by Luath Press in Oct 2006. Martin was crowned Bàrd at the National Mòd in 2007 and joined Edinburgh’s Shore Poets in 2010.

A second novel An Latha As Fhaide (The Longest Day) (CLÀR), was published in August 2008 and short-listed for the Saltire Society Book of the Year. Air A Thòir (In Pursuit) (CLÀR), his third novel was published in Aug 2011. He is currently working on a second poetry volume and a new collection of short stories.

Martin has also told stories to adults and children for a number of years and is a traditional Gaelic singer. He has appeared at Stanza Poetry Festival, The Edinburgh Book Festival, New York’s Scotland Week and Toronto’s International Festival of Authors. Martin lives in Edinburgh with his wife and two children.