BVA Scottish Dinner: a recent graduate's experience

After a busy morning of surgery at the practice and what can only be described as a quick change act from scrubs to suit, I found myself on the Edinburgh bound train and on my way to the BVA Scottish Dinner which was being held at the Scottish Parliament. It had been some time since I had last been involved with BVA, having been the AVS (association of veterinary students) representative for Edinburgh University during my time as a student, but I was excited to get back into the lively, engaging and fun atmosphere of the BVA, all be it with a mild trepidation given the long list of eminent attendees. 

A miraculously delay free train journey later and I was there. The impressive parliament building was looking particularly elegant as it was bathed in the still beating Scottish evening sun. Almost immediately after collecting my name badge from reception I was engaged in conversation with several BVA members that I had never met before, which quickly developed into an interesting discussion about widening BVA member participation and developing more of a community within Scotland. We continued this conversation as we drifted through parliament, up the famous stairs towards the chamber that anyone who has seen any political coverage of the parliament will be familiar with. We were guided into the Member’s restaurant, adjacent to the entrance to the chamber, which commanded impressive views towards Holyrood park and the Crags which were still glowing with the light of the setting sun. I soon started spotting several familiar faces from my time within AVS and Edinburgh University which afforded me a great opportunity to catch up and also hear about all of the developments within both establishments. 

A gathering of minds

We took our seats for dinner and were treated to a host of great and eminent speakers. John Scott MSP, who has been a long term supporter of the BVA, opened proceedings with a warm and heartfelt welcome to the fantastic gathering of vets, politicians, farmers, academics and researchers present. BVA president Gudrun Ravetz then gave a strong and inspiring speech regarding the importance of the veterinary community and the challenges that we face in the coming years, but all with a sense of optimism that working together in groups such as this will enable us to overcome these challenges. Melissa Donald, the newly elected BVA Scottish Branch President, then gave thanks to her predecessors before addressing several issues of particular pertinence to Scottish animal welfare and the veterinary workforce. It was particularly pleasing though to hear, as one of the new graduate representatives, her mention of the commitment to the next generation of vets and her own interest in ensuring we develop this vast wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm that they hold to improve things for the future.

Many of the issues raised by both Gudrun and Melissa were then shortly addressed by Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity, before Melissa made some closing remarks. It was then my turn to take the podium to say Grace, for which Melissa had kindly given me the honour. Despite being fairly experienced at speaking in public and at receptions such as this, the weight of the occasion was particularly notable especially with the Dean of my Alma mater, Lord Trees, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Scotland as well as several organisations’ Presidents sitting directly in front of me and listening intently. Thankfully things came off without a hitch and soon I was back to my seat and enjoying a delicious three course meal and a well earned glass of wine.

Experiencing the diversity of the veterinary profession

The evening continued with many stimulating conversations and plentiful opportunities to get to know many of the attendees. It was a delight to be reminded of what a close knit and diverse family the veterinary profession is. To see so many vets from so many different areas of the veterinary sector come together and collectively muster the strength and will to be able to act as the ambassadors of animal health and welfare to elected representatives of the country was inspiring. It was clear from the setting, the attendees, and the words spoken that the veterinary voice is clearly an important one that is taken very seriously but it re-iterated how important it is for organisations such as the BVA to exist to make those arguments and affect change for the betterment of animal welfare at high levels. 

The fantastic evening was rounded off with an exciting and informative tour of the parliament and its’ chamber thanks to John Scott MSP. The tangible connection the parliament shares with Scottish history was explained eloquently, from the portraits of Donald Dewar, to the arch above the entrance to the chamber which once stood at the original Scottish Parliament. In the chamber itself, several shapes are silhouetted on the walls. These are to represent the public and remind MSPs of their duty to them when speaking and deciding on matters of the state. It is perhaps easier for us as vets to be reminded on a daily basis of why we do what we do when we attend sick animals however it is sobering to be reminded that without us acting on a larger scale many of the decisions made about the treatment and care of animals, that we all care deeply about, will not be informed or driven by the right people. 

All in all it was a brilliant, enlightening and fun packed evening that I really feel privileged to have been able to attend. It was fantastic to be involved with such an energised and driven group all focussed on the same objectives and I would highly recommend anyone considering getting involved with the BVA to absolutely do it.