"Born into a West Lothian farming family, I grew up with a keen interest in the animals on the farm and by the age of twelve I was determined to be a vet and took up my studies at the Dick Vet at Summerhall in October 1958. That first day we were all shy but, before long, we were bonded like one big family with the same aim in life. I came to realise that the staff wanted us to succeed and were doing their best to push us to earn that degree. Some great characters - the somewhat portly Professor Tommy Graham illustrating the position of the abdominal organs by coming in the door saying `I am the Stomach’ and Professor Spreull `I can anaesthetise half a dog for half a penny and sew it up for twopence’. We owe a lot to them
"In 1964, on qualifying, I joined the large animal practice in Kirkliston eventually becoming a partner. Then we were 96% large animal but gradually developed the small animal side till, by my retiral, it was 50/50. For a period I did part time lecturing at Oatridge Agricultural College and ran courses on lambing, calving etc for the Agricultural Training Board (now LANTRA) and pig courses for PIDA. I gained my Certificate of Bovine Reproduction reflecting my interest in bovine fertility. Our practice was appointed Official Vets for the Royal Highland Show – something I enjoyed.
"Since retiring I served on the Board of Oatridge College, latterly as Chair and was involved in the talks leading to the formation of the Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)
"For many years I was unable to attend the Reunions as my boss / partner always took his family on holiday at that time and, although I had contact with a number of my classmates through veterinary meetings, I was a bit diffident about that first get together – but I needn’t have worried -it was as though I’d never been away – my wife and I were drawn into a close-knit community of like-minded folk, sharing in the hopes and aspirations of one another. Meeting colleagues in this way allowed us to face those inner worries and concerns, coming to realise that I was not the only one with them, sharing ideas – hearing how others were facing challenges in the profession.
"Looking back, the main bit of wisdom I would have told my student self is to never stop learning – be open to new thoughts and ways and to have confidence in your own abilities."
Liana Middleton
"I enrolled in The Royal Dick Vet College in 1958 and graduated in 1963. I was one of five girls among 50 lads in our year, and in those days, female students weren't particularly welcome in veterinary colleges, which became evident as we became the '63 Graduates—a fairly unique cohort.
"College life had its challenges at the beginning, but as time went on, it surprisingly became easier. I took on various jobs during holidays to make some extra money. My passion for horse riding, including eventing and recreational riding, provided a balance between work and play. One memorable ride was from the college to the summit of Arthur's Seat.
"I also honed my skills as a rifle-shot, though I declined the opportunity to participate in Bisley shooting competitions.
"In 2023, our class decided to hold our last reunion in May. It was a memorable occasion, made even more special by the warm welcome from the Vet college, which is now located at "The Bush."
"These reunions were organized by each of us in turn and took place at or near our respective homes. They spanned delightful locations all over the world, including Indonesia, Bali, Sumatra, Borneo, Canada, and more. We had incredible experiences, from riding elephants to planting trees, witnessing exotic wildlife like Orangutans, navigating rapids, and getting drenched under Niagara Falls.
"A significant portion of our class spread out across the globe after graduation, pursuing research and various endeavors.
"Many of us have attended every single reunion, forming a golden thread that runs through our lives. These reunions have become more than just gatherings of friends; they've created a new kind of family, always there for one another.
"After graduation, I chose to enter general practice rather than pursue further study and research. I spent many happy years in Alnwick, Northumberland, working in a practice that dealt with large and small animals, specializing in equine care but handling a wide range of cases, including MAFF work. I became a salaried partner in 1968.
"I made numerous friends and had wonderful clients. In my free time, I took up uphill running, dabbled in sword fencing through night classes, and even had the opportunity to join the ladies' Olympic team, though I turned it down. We had resident cattle, including a gentle Highlander named Hugh Bull, as well as horses, ponies, and sheep. I also acquired a tall grey ex-hunter horse that brought me immense joy.
"In November 1969, I ventured into flying, earning my power pilot license in March 1970 and later achieving a gliding pilot Bronze and two Silver "legs" in 1972. I purchased my own airplane, a Cherokee 140 named "Whisky India," initially with a flying partner and later outright. I still own and fly it, traveling extensively across Britain, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Europe, accumulating approximately 3,000 flying hours.
"My life took a turn when we decided to move south due to job opportunities for my husband. After enjoying some locum work, I eventually joined MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food). My work encompassed various aspects of veterinary science, including tuberculosis, Brucelloses, BSE eradication, Aujeski disease, meat hygiene, health schemes, training, imports, exports, racehorses, zoos, and much more. The dreaded Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) crisis was also part of my journey.
"My experience at The RDVC and the unique reunions with my fellow '63 Graduates have been sources of great joy and fulfillment in my life. It was all a matter of chance, and I'm truly grateful for it."
Alan Wilson
"Edinburgh University in the late 1950s and early 60s provided an ideal environment for a fulfilling student life, blending hard work with great enjoyment. Personal transport was unnecessary, and it was during this time that I forged many lifelong friendships. Upon graduation, I felt well-prepared to take on the world. Edinburgh bestowed upon me not only a quality education but also my beloved wife and a strong spiritual foundation that would guide the rest of my life.
"Following graduation, my educational journey continued in Edinburgh for the next 36 years. I completed a field-based PhD in Uganda, worked in large animal practice in both Scotland and Ireland, conducted research on haemo-parasitic diseases affecting cattle and camels in Uganda, Kenya, and Australia, and established a small air veterinary practice covering Eastern Africa. Subsequently, I held a teaching position at the University of Nairobi Vet School and gained experience in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Queensland, Australia. Additionally, I managed large-scale veterinary programs in Indonesia, where I was employed by James Cook University. Retirement never truly came to fruition for me, as in 1996, my wife and I founded ELI, a conservation company driven by our passion for wildlife and our deep conviction regarding the critical importance of preserving our precious environment. After serving as Chairman for 28 years, I recently handed over the reins in 2023. ELI made a substantial impact by creating numerous local jobs in the communities on the fringes of conservation areas in Indonesia. These communities now understand the significance of the environment in terms of employment opportunities and ecotourism. During this period, we were particularly proud of our involvement in the development of women's and men's cricket within the local population, earning us lifetime service awards from both the ICC and GOI.
"My confidence to take on diverse roles on four continents was significantly bolstered by my experiences at Edinburgh University, which recognized my contributions with an Honorary Doctorate in 2009. Throughout this journey, we cherished attending 12 of the 60 reunions of the Dick 63, which took place not only in various locations across the UK but also in France, Canada, and Indonesia. These gatherings were indeed special, strengthening the bonds of long-standing friendships, one of life's greatest gifts. Such enduring friendships continue to bring satisfaction and joy into our lives. Moreover, these reunions served as a means of staying connected with the veterinary profession in the UK, leading to significant contributions such as the establishment of a Dick 63 Mahogany tree forest in Sumatra and the donation of the Dick 63 women's cricket cup, which is contested annually.
"A recent visit to the new Dick Vet School at Easter Bush reaffirmed my belief that it is one of the foremost veterinary schools globally. Under the leadership of the current Dean and dedicated staff, the school has made remarkable strides in teaching methods and the delivery of outstanding service by its graduates to the global community."
John Trethewey
"On a cold October morning in 1958, fifty two anxious students gathered on the steps of the Dick Vet at Summerhall Square. Little did we know that five years later only half of us would graduate. Rumour has it that the the new Field Station at Easter Bush to be opened four years later could only accommodate half of our year but I have no idea how true that is. I had travelled up from Cornwall having been advised by my local vet that there were only two colleges worth considering - London and Edinburgh! There were no motorways then and the journey took two days. He also felt the colleges lacked the teaching of two important disciplines, business and the workings of the internal combustion engine! I understand the former is now part of the curriculum.
"I enjoyed my undergraduate years but found the balance between studies and social life somewhat challenging. I remember in second year during rag week a few of us set off for Aberdeen pretending to present their Charity Queen with flowers. We swiftly bundled her into the back of our van and took her to Edinburgh for the week. She loved it and was a great sport.
"My career took off while sitting my surgery oral exam when Johnny Burgess, the internal examiner, gave me details of a job vacancy in Bicester. I worked there for only a few months and shortly afterwards moved to Oxford where I remained for the next forty years. It was a mixed Practice but with a small animal bias. I became a partner two years later. My senior partner, Nigel Snodgrass, recognised my interest in Practice Management and at his suggestion I attended the Henley Business School which was an invaluable experience. Nigel spent a great deal of time on Royal College duties and Government work for which he was awarded a CBE. This allowed me to become fully immersed in the running of the Practice early in my career. We achieved hospital status early on and the Practice grew over the years undertaking referral work in cardiology and ophthalmology.
"Our annual reunions were started by me in Oxford. Having met my wife to be we invited a number of our year to our Engagement party. It was decided to meet again the following year and we have just attended our 60th Reunion. I have managed to attend them all. Whilst most have been in the UK we have also visited France, Canada, and Indonesia twice. Seeing the orangutans in Borneo was an experience never to be forgotten as were the Komodo dragons on Komodo Island.
"As a result we have made close and lasting friendships having experienced and shared all the trials and tribulations of our veterinary careers.
"Our 60th and final Reunion was held at the Peebles Hydro in May when we enjoyed a tour of the Small Animal Hospital and Teaching Unit. The level of sophistication and expertise since those early days is quite staggering. I feel privileged to have lived through this evolutionary period."
David Carnegie
"My early years were spent in Brampton, Cumbria where my father (also an Edinburgh Graduate) ran the local veterinary practice. Aged 11, I enrolled at Dollar Academy. At the age of 14, I made the decision to follow in my father’s footsteps without any pressure from him. I now appreciated his lifestyle and the camaraderie between himself and his clients.
"In my sixth year, aged 16, I applied and was accepted to the Dick Vet. In October 1958, I joined my fellow 52 students (47 male and five female) at Summerhall Square. From the outset friendships were forming that have endured to this day.
"I was now living in ‘digs’ near Tollcross- a thruppenny bus ride across the Meadows to the College. Our landlady was kind and caring, and for £2 and fifteen shillings a week prepared breakfast and an evening meal. On my second day I naively asked her if she would clean my shoes if I left them outside my room each night- this being common practice in hotels. Her reply was a definite "No- this is not the Ritz!"
"At 17, I was the youngest in the year, so my social life was limited but I did make up for it after my 18th Birthday. Saturday night dances at the College were popular. Without the internet and Google to refer to, notetaking at lectures was very important, combined with study time spent in the library.
"In May 1963 a practitioner visited with a member of staff looking for two assistants - so myself and Tony Gill went to Retford, Nottinghamshire in August after passing our finals.
"Our boss and mentor was Tommy Shanks- a Scotsman and Edinburgh graduate with a great sense of humour. Along with his wife Elsie they enjoyed the banter with their two young and very ‘green’ vets who had been thrown in at the deep end. Many vets from the year lived reasonably close-by so there were regular catch-ups with fellow graduates.
"In 1965, I went back to Brampton as a partner in my father’s practice. In October that year I attended my first Reunion. Between 1965 and 1979 the practice had grown and my father decided to retire in 1979 so I was now totally in charge.
"Life as a country vet allowed a rewarding lifestyle with regular socialising with other professionals and farmers. A full wallet was always needed as I inevitably got cornered by farming clients who said I owed them a few ‘wee drams’ as I was a ‘robber’
"For a number of years I wanted to upgrade the practice premises and in the early 90’s found an ideal site and built a modern, spacious and well - equipped veterinary centre. It was a huge success and was opened by Robert Hardy of ‘Siegfried’ fame of the All Creatures Great and Small tv series. It was a great day and the Capontree Veterinary Centre was duly christened.
"Then came 2001 and in February of that year we found our practice in the midst of the foot and mouth epidemic. Along with other local practices we offered our services to Defra - the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.
"It was a distressing time and seeing farming families in tears as they watched their stock carcasses smoldering on a pyre is an image I will never forget.
"I retired from my practice in September of that year aged 60. Having been away from Cumbria for 22 years, we have now returned to my roots and where we met. It has been heartwarming to meet up with old friends and farming clients who still enjoy a laugh at my expense.
"Reunions have always played an important part in our lives and the commitment by fellow graduates to gather yearly is significant. It’s with a big thanks to John Trethewey who initiated this tradition that we all have had the motivation to attend when possible.
"These reunions have taken place overseas but mainly in the U.K. They have all been varied, interesting and educational. Perhaps the most memorable one for us was in Bali organised by Alan Wilson as it was also a cultural delight.
"Our visit to Easter Bush in May this year was an eye-opener, seeing how far veterinary medicine has progressed with modern technology, and I hope that tomorrow’s vets will enjoy their profession as much as I have. William Dick would be proud of his legacy."
Dick Vet Bicentenary
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies celebrates its bicentenary in 2023, marking 200 years of veterinary teaching. You can learn more about the history and celebrations here.
With special thanks to Robert Liana, Alan, John and David for sharing their memories and photos.
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All opinions expressed are those of individuals and do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Edinburgh.