Scotland’s first new vet school in over 150 years is already fulfilling its promise to widen access to the sector, with more than half of its first intake of students hailing from rural or remote Scottish locations.

The 45-strong cohort have begun their studies, with Scotland’s chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas, among those to congratulate the group as the Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) School of Veterinary Medicine opened its doors in Aberdeen.

The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSci) programme is focused on training Scottish, Irish and UK-domiciled students from rural backgrounds, who appreciate the challenges and benefits offered by life in the remote and rural communities.

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Uniquely, SRUC’s School of Veterinary Medicine is built on a tertiary model, providing opportunities for students to progress from HND courses into the veterinary degree programme.

Among them is 20-year-old Abbi Harcus, from rural East Ayrshire, who earlier this year completed an HND in Rural Animal Health at SRUC.

“I was about 15 when I knew I wanted to be a vet, but when I started the HND I realised I had a lot to learn,” said Abbi.

“When I finish, I want to go into practice as soon as I can, and I’ll definitely stay in Scotland. There are so many rural areas that struggle to keep vets, staying in the industry is tough. I’m ready for it, and I think things are going to start changing soon.

“Everything I’ve learned with my HND will be really important when I finish and go into practice, it’s been the best start I could have had. Everything has just worked out so well.”

The vet school opened following SRUC officially gaining Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP).

Overseen by professor Caroline Argo, the team has been busy preparing for the first-year rollout of the new BVSci curriculum which seeks to address a number of key issues within the wider rural and veterinary sectors.

Prof Argo said: “It is now recognised that the UK veterinary profession is failing to achieve self-sufficiency in generating and retaining homegrown talent. This has serious ramifications for key sectors of the profession that are central to Scotland’s ambitions, economy and the sustainability of our rural communities.

“By aligning the attitudes and abilities of our veterinary students more directly with the needs of the Scottish profession, we hope to train the general practitioners that are so essential for our food sector and mixed practices.

“We are delighted to have welcomed the first cohort of students to SRUC and very much look forward to helping them achieve their ambitions.”

Principal and chief executive of SRUC, Professor Wayne Powell, welcomed the students and their families to the Aberdeen Campus, saying: “With the launch of this new programme we stand at an historic moment for veterinary education and, as part of this first cohort, you are all making history. You are now on an extremely exciting journey as you begin your studies here in Aberdeen.”