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BVA Scottish Branch

BVA Scottish Branch represents our members in Scotland. Working together with representatives of our specialist and territorial divisions, Government, academic institutions, and research organisations in Scotland, we address the veterinary issues and represent the interests of BVA's members in Scotland. 

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What does BVA Scottish Branch do?

We champion the veterinary profession in Scotland. We provide BVA with the consensus view of members in Scotland to shape BVA policy development and advise BVA working groups on pertinent Scotland-specific issues. We also work closely with key stakeholders in Scotland to safeguard animal health and welfare.

We regularly engage with the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament on a wide range of issues to provide a strong voice for vets – from recruitment and retention in the veterinary profession to a breadth of animal health and welfare issues. We also work with stakeholders and specialist divisions to promote meetings and events that are of interest to our members.

Download the BVA Scottish Branch Constitution

How can I get involved?

If you're a BVA member living in Scotland, you’re automatically a member of BVA Scottish Branch. Here’s how you can get involved:

Feed in your views to BVA Council

Your two Scotland representatives on BVA Council are Scottish Branch President, Gareth Hateley, and Regional Representative for Scotland, Alastair George.

Get in contact with Gareth and Alastair to discuss the veterinary policy issues that matter to you. You can do this via email at either [email protected] or [email protected]. Alternatively, feel free to have a chat with them in person if you see them at events.

Shape consultation responses 

We regularly respond to Government and stakeholder consultations on a range of BVA’s priority policy areas and campaigning issues in Scotland and the UK. Check what consultations we’re responding to and feed in your thoughts via [email protected]

Apply to be on Scottish Branch Council

Each year we seek new members for our Scottish Branch Council, usually during the summer. You can find out about our vacancies online, if there are no current opportunities you can still express your interest by emailing [email protected]

Updates direct to your inbox

Keep an eye out for your bi-annual e-news round up to stay up to date with BVA Scottish Branch activity and upcoming events.

Join us at our AGM

Scottish Branch holds its AGM in May/June and all BVA members who live in Scotland are welcome to attend. Look out for our invitations in your inbox.

Meet up and socialise at our member engagement events

It’s not all about work! Keep an eye on your inbox for invitations to upcoming member mixers and CPD evenings.

Contact BVA HQ

Want more information about BVA Scottish Branch or to access meeting papers and consultation responses? Drop our Secretariat a line on [email protected] and they’ll be happy to help.

Scottish Branch Officer Team

  • Gareth Hateley, President
  • Vivienne Mackinnon, Junior Vice President
  • Alastair George, Regional Representative

 

BVA Scottish Branch Council

BVA Scottish Branch Council meets four times a year to discuss veterinary policy issues and arrive at a consensus opinion to feed into BVA policy development.

  • Gareth Hateley (President)
  • Vivienne Mackinnon (Junior Vice President & SRUC)
  • Romain Pizzi (BVZS)
  • Alastair George (BVA Council Regional Representative)
  • Frank Stephen (North of Scotland)
  • David Logue (Ayrshire)
  • Graham Bell (Dumfries & Galloway)
  • Kathleen Robertson (Past President)
  • Robert Anderson (Honorary Secretary)
  • Ronnie Soutar (FVS)
  • David Wilson (SVS)
  • Nicky Shaw (AVS - Edinburgh)
  • Claire Hunter (AVS – Glasgow)
  • Sandy Duncan (VPHA)
  • James Risk (BEVA)
  • Amy Jennings (APHA)
  • Tricia Colville (BSAVA)
  • Grace Webster (PVS)
  • Sheila Voas (Scottish Government)
  • Mick Park (AGV)
  • Suzanne Murphy (Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies)
  • Catherine Stalin (University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine)
  • Kathryn Ellis (Highlands and Islands Veterinary Services Scheme)
  • Stephen Anderson (Moredun Group)
  • Elena McWatt (Food Standards Scotland)
  • Arabella White (Policy Committee)
  • Zamantha Marshall (general councillor)
  • Charlotte Clough (general councillor)
  • Matthew Erskine (general councillor)
  • Ian Futter (general councillor)
  • Luke McBlain (general councillor)

Scottish Branch meetings

The Scottish Branch Council meets three times a year to discuss safeguarding animal health and welfare and issues affecting the veterinary profession in Scotland

Annual General Meeting

The Scottish Branch holds its AGM in May/June and all BVA members who live in Scotland are welcome to attend.

Stakeholder groups

BVA Scottish Branch is represented on the following stakeholder groups:

  • Scottish Government Animal Health and Welfare Stakeholder Group
  • Cross Party Group on Animal Welfare
  • VETTrust
  • Livestock Health Scotland
  • Scottish Government Equine Stakeholder Group
  • Scottish Veterinary Delivery Landscape
  • National Rural Mental Health Forum
  • Highland and Islands Veterinary Services Scheme (HIVSS)
  • Scottish One Health Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance Group
  • Farmed Fish Health Framework group
  • Quality Meat Scotland Welfare Standards Committee

Find your local Young Vet Network

Connect with other graduate vets in your local area, share your career experiences, and benefit from the knowledge and support of the wider young vet community through your local YVN group.

Find your local Young Vet Network