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Positions filled for new SRUC Vet School
Vivienne Mackinnon (C) Scotland's Rural College.
Posts to play vital role in Scottish veterinary education development.

Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) has appointed Vivienne Mackinnon as director of Veterinary Partnerships, with nine other key posts filled in preparation for the development of a new school veterinary medicine.

A veterinary surgeon with more than 20 years of clinical experience, Vivienne is an active member of BVA Scotland and has worked in a number of public and private settings.

Vivienne's role as director of veterinary partnerships will entail developing active links with the profession in order to enable the delivery of clinical training rotations. 

SRUC has also appointed a head of interprofessional education, a veterinary programme director, veterinary lecturers and senior lecturers, all of whom will be overseen by Professor Jim Anderson, the new head of veterinary education.

Professor Caroline Argo, dean of veterinary medicine and head of school, said: “These new foundation posts are vital in supporting our growth agenda in this essential area.

“They are a critical element of the new school’s set-up to support our contribution to the development of Scotland’s natural economy as a driving force behind the promotion of resilience, diversity and sector fit among our veterinary graduates, embedding them in real-world experience and practice from the outset. Vivienne, as Director of Partnerships, is fundamental in providing that experience.

“All of our key appointments to date have shared their excitement in our sense of purpose and mission and we hope to continue that trend with all of our new appointments in the coming months.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.