“The future of veterinary education in Scotland sits on a precipice”, BVA warns

Speaking at the Scottish parliament on Tuesday, 16 May, British Veterinary Association (BVA) president Malcolm Morley, called on politicians to provide adequate long-term funding for Scotland’s veterinary education.

During his speech, Dr Morley said that the nation’s veterinary education was in need of vital government support to enable it to stay sustainable and to address workforce challenges in the industry, particularly in Scotland’s rural and remote areas.

He said: “Scotland has long been at the forefront of veterinary education and is home to two of the oldest veterinary schools in the UK. The exciting development of SRUC’s School of Veterinary Medicine is timely, offering a new model and aiming to increase access to the profession and encourage graduates to stay in rural areas once qualified — complementing the impressive work already underway in Scotland’s existing vet schools.

“However, more than ever, it’s crucial that the Scottish Funding Council provides the necessary financial support. The reality is that current funding per Scottish vet student doesn’t meet the cost of providing this education — and while the vet schools have been increasingly resourceful in implementing innovative models, the future of veterinary education in Scotland sits on a precipice if sustainable long-term funding is not assured.”

Dr Morley addressed more than 80 guests at BVA’s annual Scottish dinner, including George Burgess, the Scottish government’s director of agriculture and rural economy, MSPs, and key representatives from animal health and welfare organisations and colleagues from across the veterinary profession.

He stressed the importance of investing not only in veterinary surgeons, but members of the wider veterinary team including veterinary technicians, musculoskeletal professionals and equine dental technicians. He called for the Scottish government to join BVA in lobbying Defra for urgent legislative reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, which doesn’t recognise these roles.

Dr Morley spoke about agricultural transition in Scotland, underlining how veterinary engagement will be key to its success, and how it must support animal health and welfare, and sustainability.

He said: “The new agricultural policy offers the opportunity to harness the unique and trusted relationship which exists between vets and farmers, empowering collaboration to drive positive outcomes on all levels.”

He also called for improved research and development in the aquaculture sector, particularly on issues such as the measurement of welfare outcomes and welfare at the time of slaughter.

Image (C) BVA