A Brief History of Veterinary Medicine at Glasgow
1862
Glasgow Veterinary College founded.
1863
Royal Charter granted to James McCall establishing Glasgow Veterinary College.
1939
Alf Wight (James Herriot) graduates.
1949
Amalgamation with the University with William Weipers as Director. From its inception in 1862 to 1949, Glasgow Veterinary School had been a privately funded body situated at Garnethill, whose students graduated with a Diploma of Membership to The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. The first moves towards amalgamation were made in 1936 and by 1944 the second Loveday Report recommended that the Veterinary School become part of the University and that students receive a degree. Under the guidance and leadership of William Weipers the School became part of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Glasgow and the first 40 students were enrolled in 1949.
1951
Chairs of Veterinary Surgery and Veterinary Pathology established.
1954
The new veterinary school, the building of which began in 1950, opens at Garscube. Cochno Estate purchased. The estate continues to be an integral part of veterinary undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD teaching as well as a centre of research and development.
1956
The Chair of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Preventative Medicine established.
1957
Glasgow develops the use of tissue culture for the diagnosis of canine distemper. Medical colleagues visit Buccleuch Street to witness the new technology at first hand.
1960
The bovine lungworm vaccine produced. Glasgow’s multidisciplinary approach to research, which included George Urquhart,
Bill Jarrett, Ian McIntyre, Bill Mulligan and Frank Jennings, led to the development of the first commercially available parasitic vaccination that revolutionised the control of parasitic bronchitis in cattle.
1961
Chair of Veterinary Medicine established.
1962
Chair of Veterinary Physiology established.
Centenary of Glasgow Veterinary School.
1963
The first official Faculty link with Africa involving undergraduate education in Kenya is formed. This has led to a tradition of Glasgow being strongly associated with Africa through contributions to the development of veterinary schools and animal research centres.
1964
Feline leukaemia virus first identified by Bill Jarrett. Working with a local practitioner, Harry Pfaff, Professor Jarrett realised that clusters of cats were dying from lymphosarcoma suggesting an infectious origin. The first isolation of feline leukaemia virus particles helped to establish Glasgow as an internationally recognised centre for research into retroviruses and cancer. This work has subsequently extended into the realms of human medicine with investigations into the role of leukaemogenic viruses in human cancer.
1966
William Weipers receives knighthood.
First ever slow-release intra-ruminal alloy bolus to help prevent magnesium deficiency in cattle is patented by the University of Glasgow (Hemingway & Ritchie).
1968
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine established with Sir William Weipers as Dean.
The Department of Pathology moves to Garscube from Buccleuch Street.
1969
The Department of Veterinary Anatomy moves to Garscube and Buccleuch Street closes its doors for the last time.
John Roberts becomes the first Clerk to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
1971
Betty Blake becomes secretary to the Dean, Sir William Weipers and, until her retirement in 1995, saw seven Deans through their terms of office.
1974
Silver Jubilee of the University of Glasgow Veterinary School and the retirement of Sir William Weipers. In addition to his knighthood, Sir William’s significant contributions to veterinary education and research were acknowledged by honorary degrees from Glasgow and Stirling universities, and his fellowship and presidency of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Ian McIntyre becomes the new Dean.
1975
Chair of Veterinary Anatomy established.
1977
Bill Mulligan succeeds Ian McIntyre as Dean.
1980
Unique multiple trace element/vitamin intra-ruminal device (All-Trace) is patented (Hemingway, Parkins & Ritchie) now in use worldwide.
1981
The introduction of a lecture-free final year at Glasgow: An idea conceived by Ian McIntyre, which has since been adopted by all the veterinary schools in the UK.
The Feline Virus Unit established under the directorship of Os Jarrett.
1982
Fire destroys most of the pathology buildings.
1983
Tom Douglas becomes Dean.
1986
James Armour becomes Dean.
The refurbished Small Animal Hospital opens.
1987
Ian Botham opens the Leukaemia Research Fund Virus Centre.
1988
Sir James Black, who in the 1950s established the foundations of research in veterinary physiology at Glasgow, is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine.
Glasgow awarded the highest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) score of a UK veterinary school.
1989
The Faculty, along with Cambridge Veterinary School ,is threatened with closure. In 1990, a new government report – the Page review – recommended that all six veterinary schools remain open and that they increase student numbers. With that, the Riley Report was consigned to history.
1991
Norman Wright becomes Dean.
The 4th General Assembly of the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education held at Garscube. Representatives of 50 veterinary schools in Europe attended the first UK meeting of EAEVE, the body involved in monitoring veterinary education in Europe.
1992
Glasgow again excels in the RAE.
1994
Tom Mathieson becomes Clerk to the Faculty.
1995
James Armour receives knighthood.
The Weipers Centre for Equine Welfare opens. The establishment of the Weipers Centre has seen equine medicine and surgery raise its profile at the school, catering for an expanding clientele from children’s ponies to Cheltenham winners.
The James Herriot Library officially opened by Jim Wight, the author’s son.
Glasgow awarded the highest possible grade in the first ever National Teaching Quality Assurance evaluation, and voted the number one veterinary school in a perception study conducted by the Association of Veterinary Students.
1999
Andrea Nolan becomes Dean, the first female Dean of a UK veterinary school.
The ‘Fifty and Forwards’ celebrations take place. 1999 was the 50th anniversary of amalgamation with the University of Glasgow.
The Faculty is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), one of only a few schools in Europe to have AVMA accreditation. The accreditation endorses the academic, research and teaching excellence at the highest level. Glasgow’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine can be considered to be ‘world class’.
2001
The University celebrates 550 years since its creation by Papal Bull in 1451.
The Weipers Centre for Equine Welfare surgical suites are completed at a cost of £6.2 million, providing state of the art facilities for the treatment of horses.
The University introduces the prestigious ‘Young Alumnus of the Year Award’, which recognises and celebrates the achievements of alumni who have made a major contribution to the community, arts, science or business. Mark Johnston BVMS 1983 is the recipient of the first award.
2002
The Development Fund is set up to build on relationships with our alumni and friends worldwide and harness support for current and future projects.
2003
Sarah Chiodetto appointed Faculty Secretary.
2004
A capital campaign is launched to raise £10 million to build a new Small Animal Hospital.
2005
Stuart Reid appointed Dean.
Faculty recognises the ‘Glasgow greats’ by naming key buildings:
McCall, Jarrett, Stewart, Urquhart.
The Henry Wellcome Building for Comparative Medical Sciences, the research hub of the Faculty, opens at a cost of £7 million.
2006
The Faculty holds its first Alumni Dinner.
Memorandum of understanding signed with the Moredun Research Institute, cementing commitment to research for the benefit of food animal production and farming.
Richard Dixon BVMS 1993 is the recipient of the University’s ‘Young Alumnus of the Year Award’.
2007
Seven more years! The Faculty receives renewed accreditation by the AVMA and is commended on its esprit d’corp.
Vice Principal Peter Holmes receives OBE.
2008
Joint top of all accredited veterinary schools in the RAE.
The Faculty tops charity and research council income leagues for veterinary schools for the sixth consecutive year.
Professor James McCall Memorial Lecture established in memory of the founder of the Glasgow Veterinary College. The Inaugural Lecture, entitled ‘Viruses, Vaccines, Pandemics and Paranoia’ is delivered by Professor David Onions.
A new BSc programme in Veterinary Biosciences is established.
2009
New £2 million Scottish Centre for Production Animal Health and Food Safety established at Garscube Campus, replacing ‘the byres’.
Alumnus Euan Murray selected tight head prop for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa. Euan is also the 2009 recipient of the University’s ‘Young Alumnus of the Year Award’.
Second stable block at the Weipers Centre for Equine Welfare constructed.
2010
Official opening of the multi award winning new Small Animal Hospital – quite possibly the best of its kind worldwide.
Faculty honour the men and women who were enrolled in Glasgow Veterinary College in the late 1940s when it became part of the University of Glasgow, but who until 2010 never received a Glasgow degree.
Faculty translated from ‘Faculty of Veterinary Medicine’ to ‘School of Veterinary Medicine’ within the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences.
Stuart Reid appointed foundation Head of School.
The School comes top again in the UK for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey.
Official opening of the Scottish Centre for Production Animal Health and Food Safety.
2011
Ewan Cameron appointed Head of School.
The documentary series ‘Animal ER’, filmed across the School of Veterinary Medicine, is launched on Discovery’s ‘Animal Planet’ channel. Feedback revealed a steady climb in audience figures, making it the second most popular show on the channel.
The Complete University Guide ‘University League Table 2012’ recognises the University of Glasgow’s rise in the national rankings of higher education institutions in the UK to 21st place, with the School of Veterinary Medicine crowned No 1, as the best place in the UK to study Veterinary Medicine.
2012
The School celebrates 150 years since its foundation in 1862. This milestone is marked by many events throughout the year including the celebratory ‘Vet 150’ Conference.
The first students graduate from the BSc programme in Veterinary Biosciences.
The School establishes the first International Student Chapter of AVMA outside the USA.
Work commences on the Garscube Learning and Social Space (GLaSS) - a dynamic learning and social hub for the campus, scheduled for completion in 2016.
The School comes top in the UK for Veterinary Medicine in the Complete University Guide 2013.
2013
The first students graduate from the MSCi programme in Veterinary Biosciences.
Senior Vice Principal & Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Andrea Nolan receives an honorary OBE.
The MRC Centre for Virus Research fully integrates into the University of Glasgow.
The School hosts the first joint international accreditation visit by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) and the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE), and is awarded full accreditation for another seven years.
The School introduces a fundamental reshaping of the BVMS programme.
2014
‘John Barrowman’s Pets with Problems’, filmed in the School of Veterinary Medicine, is launched on Channel 4. The programme is subsequently nominated for a Royal Television Society Award.
RCVS Day sees the investiture of Professor Stuart Reid as the President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is bestowed upon Professor Max Murray.
Glasgow ranked top amongst the UK veterinary schools for research quality with the highest score (grade point average) In the Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF2014).
2015
Professor Sarah Cleaveland receives an OBE for services to veterinary epidemiology.
Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Director of the Moredun Research Institute, also receives an OBE, for services to animal health and science.
Ewan Cameron is re-appointed for a second term as Head of the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Cochno Farm & Research Centre placed 3rd in a national competition on milk quality in Scotland and the North of England run by National Milk Records (NMR).
The cutting-edge MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research is completed on the Garscube Estate. Formally named the Sir Michael Stoker Building, it will put Glasgow at the forefront of international research into human and animal viral disease.
In the latest QS subject rankings (the leading global provider of specialist higher education and careers information) the University of Glasgow is ranked 7th in the world and 2nd in the UK for Veterinary Science.
The School is successful in achieving an Athena SWAN bronze award. The Athena SWAN charter supports good employment practices for women in higher education and recognizes the advancement of gender equality through representation, progression and success for all.
2016
Professor the Lord Trees receives the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.
The School marks the 100th anniversary year of Alf Wight (1916-1995), who became famous under the pseudonym James Herriot for his books of stories about the life of a country vet. In celebration, Alf’s son, Jim Wight, delivers the Professor James McCall Memorial Lecture.
Chris Tufnell BVMS 1999 is invested as RCVS President.
Veterinary student and athlete Laura Muir, breaks Dame Kelly Holmes’ 12-year-old British record in the 1500m at the London Anniversary Games in July, and further improves this to 3:55:22 a month later at the Paris Diamond League.
Ruby Shorrock, BVMS 2016, founder of the Trusty Paws Clinic, is recognised with a special award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare at the House of Lords, honouring her work to help homeless people and their dogs.
The School is ranked 1st in the UK for Veterinary Science in the National Student Survey 2016.
2017
Professor Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, is knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
A team from Midas Media film in the School for the television series ‘Vets: Gach Creutair Beò’ (BBC ALBA); the series focuses on the work of vets all across Scotland, from city practices, to some of the most remote parts of the highlands and islands.
The University of Glasgow is named the Scottish University of the Year.
2018
Christine Middlemiss, BVMS 1992, is appointed as the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer.
Scottish athlete Laura Muir graduates. The new Dr Muir studied and passed her exams while competing at the highest levels of world athletics.
Professor Stuart Reid, BVMS 1987 and former Dean, appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to the veterinary profession and higher education.
Mark Johnston, BVMS 1983 and former University of Glasgow Young Alumnus of the Year (2001), beats the UK record for the highest number of racehorse winners, becoming the most successful racehorse trainer in Britain.
Dr Iain (John) Glen, BVMS 1963, receives the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, one of the world’s most prestigious accolades in medical science.
Simon Doherty, BVMS 2000, becomes President of BVA.
The Mary Stewart Building, a spectacular new learning and social space, is officially opened at Garscube Campus. The building is named after Mary Stewart, who was a pioneer of veterinary ethics, animal welfare and the importance of the animal-human bond.
2019
Ewan Cameron is re-appointed as Head of School for a further 4-year term.
The School’s application for an Athena SWAN Silver Award is successful.
More plaudits for alumnus Laura Muir as she receives a City of Glasgow Lord Provost’s Award and an RCVS Inspiration Award.
The School secures 1st and 2nd place respectively for Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide for the fourth consecutive year.
Niall Connell, BVMS 1982, is invested as President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Dorothy McKeegan is awarded the Humane Slaughter Award for her ground-breaking research into the welfare impacts of controlled atmosphere stunning (CAS) and her outstanding and sustained contribution to protecting animal welfare at slaughter or killing.
2020
Accreditation visits to the School postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Mary Stewart awarded the RCVS Queen’s Medal, the highest honour that the RCVS can bestow upon an individual veterinary surgeon, in recognition of a highly distinguished career.
Professor Maureen Bain receives Honorary Associateship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for her contribution to food safety, specifically her research on improving the quality and safety of eggs for human consumption.
The McCall Lecture, is delivered virtually by Dr Mandisa Greene, President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, as part of the University’s Black History Month events. Mandisa, the first black President of the RCVS, gave an inspiring talk about her journey through the profession and included a vision for an inclusive veterinary profession in the future.
2021
The University of Glasgow is named the Higher Education Institution of the Year at the prestigious Herald Higher Education Awards.
Following re-scheduled accreditation visits by the RCVS/AVMA/AVBC/SAVC (virtually) and EAEVE (in person), the School receives official confirmation of accreditation for another seven years. The School receives a number of commendations across all areas, including “well integrated and holistic curriculum” and “dedicated academic and support staff”.
The School is ranked 1st in the UK for Veterinary Medicine in the Complete University Guide 2022 for the fourth consecutive year.
Dr Iain (John) Glen, BVMS 1963, is awarded the RCVS Queen’s Medal.
Sam Fontaine is recognised as a Knowledge Champion in the RCVS Knowledge Awards.
The Vet School delights in the success of two of its alumni at the Tokyo Olympics. Having conquered Europe in recent years, Laura Muir, BVMS 2018, excels on the world stage winning the silver medal in the 1500m. Neah Evans, BVMS 2014, wins silver as part of the women’s team pursuit event.
2022
Neah Evans wins two British titles, pursuit and points, at the British National Track Championships in January and wins the British National Madison Championships with Laura Kenny in April.
Dr Jenny Hammond elected as Chair of the Council for International Veterinary Medical Education (CIVME). Joyce Wason, Admissions and Student Support Manager, receives Honorary Associateship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Melissa Donald BVMS 1987 is invested as the RCVS President.
On 1 August, the School merges with the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine to form the School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine under the leadership of Ewan Cameron. This mix of veterinary medicine, animal health, organismal biology and ecology gives the new School a unique profile on the international stage, where together various disciplines and shared interests truly reflect the one health agenda.
The School launches the Jimmy Armour Student Support Fund, to commemorate former member of staff, Dean, Vice-Principal and Chair of the Vet Fund, Professor Sir James Armour, who passed away on 31 October 2021, aged 92. The aim is to build a community of vet and non-vet donors, inspired by Jimmy’s life, who will support vet students to realise their potential through single, regular and major gifts.
2023
The Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Biosciences programmes are ranked #1 in the Times Good University Guide, whilst Zoology tops the Guardian league table.
Neah Evans wins two more national titles at the 2023 British Cycling National Track Championships, bringing her total to 7.
Jennifer Hammond receives The Amoroso Award from the British Small Animal Veterinary Association. The award is for contributions to undergraduate teaching of small animal studies in its widest context.
The first training course for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) for animal rescue is held at the Weipers Centre and Cochno Farm, with Scotland becoming the first country in the world to have a joined-up approach to incidents involving animals in distress.
Honorary degrees are awarded to Laura Muir (Doctor of the University) and Professor Peter Holmes (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery).
Professor Christopher Loughrey appointed Head of School. Professor Ewan Cameron appointed as Deputy Head of the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences.
2024
Simon Doherty, BVMS 2000, awarded the 2024 World Veterinary Association (WVA) Global Veterinary Award for One Health and is also named WVA Veterinarian of the Year.
Sheilah Robertson, BVMS 1980, named as the winner of the Animal Welfare category of the 2024 WVA Awards.
Stuart Reid, BVMS 1987, is awarded the RCVS Queen’s Medal, and James Ferrie receives Honorary Associateship, in the RCVS Honours and Awards.
2025
The Small Animal Hospital launch their seizure clinic and Pet Seizure Clinic Website - a new kind of support for epileptic pet carers. Designed by vets and pet carers, for pet families, it’s a space to bring clarity, confidence, and community through a tough journey.
The BSc (Hons) Veterinary Biosciences programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, the leading professional body for biological sciences in the United Kingdom.
The RCVS Queen’s Medal is conferred posthumously upon Professor Simon Doherty, BVMS 2000, who passed away in December 2024.
Dr Freda Scott-Park succeeds Professor Peter Holmes as Chair of the Vet Fund, which encompasses The James Herriot Scholarship Fund, the Small Animal Hospital Fund, the Weipers Centre for Equine Welfare and the Jimmy Armour Student Support Fund.
Donations to the Vet Fund help us to continue growing and addressing some of the biggest challenges facing our global community, driving innovation and pioneering solutions that benefit people and animals alike.