Agriculture Minister praises 'world-class' SRUC vet school

_{Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie with Professor Caroline Argo at SRUC’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences.}

Scotland’s Agriculture Minister has praised the “world-class, innovative, veterinary curriculum” on offer at the country’s first tertiary vet school.

During his first visit to SRUC’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Aberdeen Campus, Jim Fairlie said it was vital for young people to get this intensively practical, real-world experience which will provide them with the solid foundation and resilience make strong contributions in high demand, but often overlooked areas within the veterinary profession.

He added: “This is such an important programme for Scotland, and I was delighted to finally get a chance to see this wonderful new facility first hand. The accessibility of programmes, particularly for rural applicants, to gain the kind of world-class, focused education that Scotland is famed for is really exciting. The Scottish Government recognises the outstanding economic and social contribution of SRUC and our world-leading higher education institutions, which is why we are investing over £1.1 billion in teaching and research for the sector in 2025-26.

“Giving those young Scots the opportunity to get practical, hands-on experience and the tools to live, work and manage good businesses in their own communities is so important. The work the SRUC team has done to make it a reality is an exemplar of brilliant lateral thinking and I would like to congratulate everyone involved.”

Professor Caroline Argo, Head of SRUC’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, said: “We were delighted to welcome Mr Fairlie to the School, where he was able to witness first-hand, the ways in which our unique degree in Veterinary Science encompasses the breath of veterinary professional activity, and which provides essential new pathways into the profession for students in some of Scotland’s most remote and rural areas.

Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: “I would like to thank the Minister for taking the time to visit our School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences. The team are doing an exceptional job and we look forward to welcoming our new cohort of future vets in September.”

The SRUC School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences welcomed its first cohort of students in October 2024, after SRUC attained Taught Degree Awarding Powers.

Additional places now available for Scottish domiciled and postgraduate applicants for 2025 entry to the BVSci programme.

To find out more, visit Study at SRUC | BVSci Veterinary Science

Posted by SRUC on 29/07/2025