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About us

Our History

Kaye and Juliet with a Westie Jim and Juliet Nicolson started working as vets in Shetland in 1985. From small beginnings (a lean-to extension at home and an old Transit Van!), the practice began to expand.

The show room area at the Bixter Garage was converted to a surgery in 1986 and we worked from there until 1992, when our purpose-built surgery at Bixter was completed. Within a few years, the accommodation and staff were at capacity, and we decided to open a branch surgery in a more central location which would be more convenient for clients in the central and south Mainland. We wanted the same easy access and parking which we were all used to at Bixter and in 2000 we found an unused building at Blydoit, Scalloway which was converted into a very pleasant and functional surgery. Since 2011, following the closure of the Lerwick Vet Practice, our Scalloway Branch has been even busier, so in 2012 we acquired the Unit next door and have doubled the size of the Surgery. We'll be continuing to improve the premises and our service during 2012.

Our Team

In recent years, the Practice has had three Assistant Vets, as well as Jim and Juliet. Colin Jamieson is originally from Unst and has been with us since 2002.  As of Spring 2011, we have 3 additional vets working with us - Neil McRae, Alice Bacon & Jim Tait.  David Sutherland works on the Aquaculture side of the practice. Inevitably, all the vets have their own areas of experience and interest, which gives a good range of expertise within the practice. We also have access to specialists at the vet schools and elsewhere, who give us invaluable help with difficult or unusual cases.

Our practice team includes three qualified Vet Nurses, two of whom completed their training with us, our Practice Manager, Practice Administrator and friendly and well-informed Receptionists.

RCVS Accredited Practice

Westside Vets was inspected in October 2009 by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and we were delighted to become an Accredited Practice under their Practice Standards Scheme. This means that our clients can have peace of mind that their practice has been regularly inspected and complies with legal and health and safety requirements.

The criteria for being recognised as an accredited practice include:

• The provision of 24 hour emergency cover for patients
• Showing ongoing commitment to education and training of staff
• Keeping premises clean and maintained
• Having access to laboratory facilities for diagnostic testing
• Meeting health and safety requirements covering premises, equipment, staff and employees.

For further information on the Scheme, please visit www.rcvs.org.uk/practicestandards or pick up a leaflet at the surgery.

Contact Us

Please contact Westside Vets if there is anything we might be able to do to help you