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- Tasks: Join our team to provide mixed veterinary care for animals in a supportive environment.
- Company: Stewartry Veterinary Centre, a well-established independent practice in rural Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, CPD funding, and a genuine 1 in 5 rota for work-life balance.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant lifestyle in Castle Douglas, surrounded by stunning nature.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while developing your veterinary skills.
- Qualifications: RCVS-registered with 1-2 years of clinical experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.
Mixed Vet Opportunity | Independent Practice | Castle Douglas, Scotland
Looking to grow your skills and develop your career in a supportive and varied role? Join our friendly team at Stewartry Veterinary Centre , a well-established, independent mixed practice in the heart of rural Dumfries & Galloway, southwest Scotland.
We’re looking for a motivated and enthusiastic veterinary surgeon with at least one to two years’ experience and strong communication skills. This role offers excellent variety and hands-on opportunities—perfect for someone keen to build their skillset while making a valued contribution to both the practice and local community.
About Us
Stewartry Veterinary Centre is a progressive, independent practice with a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, veterinary care. Based in Castle Douglas, we serve a wide client base across the southwest of Scotland, providing a true mixed service to farms, companion animals, and pleasure horses.
We are proud to strive towards ongoing clinical excellence and contextualised care—adapting our approach to the real-world needs of our clients and animals. Our work incorporates a strongly loyal base of small animal clients, spans large-scale dairy businesses, beef and sheep farms; a steady flow of pleasure horses. Plus the odd budgie and alpaca.
The companion animal work is wide and varied in scope as would be expected in rural Scotland. Clinical freedom to work up cases with input and collaboration from peers as required. Opportunities to partake in the surgical caseload and expand areas of interest in medicine, surgery or therapeutics. Good relationships with referral institutes in the Central Belt with opportunity to undertake more complex surgeries or medical cases on site if circumstances dictate. In house Idexx biochem, haematology, DR, Ultrasound, dental machine. Actively looking to expand and improve equipment as required. The practice also has a small branch surgery in the nearby town of Dalbeattie.
The dairy work is typical of progressive, and at times large scale, dairying – routine fertilities, preventative herd health input as well as emergency work. We are deeply rooted in our client’s enterprises and have mutual aim to improve their animal’s health and welfare, improve their people and their businesses through advice, training, regular interactions and ongoing data analysis. Multiple Easiscan ultrasounds, Totalvet, Vet Impress
Beef and sheep work spans from pedigree herds with bulls delivered into Cogent and Highland show winning pedigree sheep, to lifestylers with a handful of “Mildreds” “Spots” and “Ethels”. We run beef fertility programmes and synchs, are actively involved in semen testing with a Lane Pulsator IV and probe. Again, we are actively engaged in theses clients businesses to add value and improve animal welfare
Equine work is expanding, offering good vetting to people’s pets and pleasure horses. Occasional repro work, lameness work ups, routine health care and a strong progressive input into worming regimes all feature. Portable X-ray.
This opportunity has arisen due to the retirement of two partners – Helen and Graham Bell. Bruce and Ali Haggerty have been involved in the business for a combined 25 years are taking it forward with a committed team. There are imminent future plans for redevelopment of the practice site to deliver a modern building capable of holding the practice in the future. We feel this is an exciting point in time to drive an established and respected business forwards, improving our already strong offering to the local community and collaborating to grow as a team and business for the future of The Stewartry!
We foster a collaborative, open culture where mutual respect, case discussion and shared learning are part of daily life. We’re also experienced in mentoring and tutoring early-career vets, with dedicated GDP advisors on the team and a genuine commitment to helping colleagues grow and thrive. Whether you\’re looking to broaden your clinical experience or explore a particular interest, we’ll help you shape your career.
⚕️ About You
You’ll be RCVS-registered, with at least 1–2 years’ experience in clinical practice. We’re looking for someone proactive and compassionate—confident enough to work independently when needed, but a team player at heart. You’ll value your clients and patients, communicate clearly and effectively, bringing a practical, empathetic approach to clinical work.
If you’re a capable problem-solver with a desire to keep learning and a passion for delivering the best care possible, we’d love to hear from you.
The Role
This is a genuine mixed role involving small animal, farm, and equine work. Your week will include a variety of consultations, preventative care, diagnostics, treatment, and surgery across the species. Specific interests in a certain discipline of the practice can be accommodated.
We offer a 1 in 5 rota with time off in lieu and fair rest after nights and weekends. You’ll enjoy clinical freedom and the ability to develop areas of interest, all within a team that supports shared learning and mutual respect.
The Package
We offer a competitive salary , commensurate with experience and skillset. The package includes:
- Use of a vehicle and phone
- Paid RCVS, VDS, BVA, and one other relevant memberships
- Funded CPD on merit, with full support to pursue interests
- Uniform provided
- A genuine 1 in 5 rota , with time off in lieu
- Supportive onboarding and access to experienced mentors
- Statutory holiday allowance.
- Accommodation can be provided if required
We’re serious about maintaining a healthy work-life balance and creating a working environment that supports professional development.
Life in Castle Douglas
Castle Douglas is a vibrant, welcoming rural town known as Scotland’s Food Town, home to a wide range of independent shops, cafés, and local producers. It’s surrounded by stunning coastlines, forests, and hills, offering fantastic opportunities for walking, cycling, wild swimming, and generally enjoying the outdoors. There are easy links to the West Coast Rail Network. Glasgow is approximately 1 hour 45 mins away, Edinburgh is approximately 2 hours away and Carlisle is 1 hour. With a strong sense of community and a relaxed pace of life, it’s a brilliant place to live and work.
Interested?
We’d love to hear from you!
To apply, please send a Covering Letter and CV to: bruce@stewartryvets.com
For a further confidential, informal chat, please contact: Bruce on 07843565207.
Mixed Veterinary Surgeon employer: The Stewartry Veterinary Centre
Contact Detail:
The Stewartry Veterinary Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mixed Veterinary Surgeon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the practice thoroughly. Know their values, services, and community involvement. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a vet, you'll need to explain complex ideas clearly to clients. Role-play with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experiences and how you can contribute to the practice.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on being part of our community at Stewartry Veterinary Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Mixed Veterinary Surgeon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personal Covering Letter: Your covering letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal and show us why you're excited about joining our team. Highlight your experience, skills, and what you can bring to the table at Stewartry Veterinary Centre.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Mixed Vet role. We want to see how your background aligns with our practice's needs and values.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Strong communication is key in our field. Use clear and concise language in your application. This not only reflects your writing skills but also gives us a glimpse of how you’ll interact with clients and colleagues.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Stewartry Veterinary Centre
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially in mixed practice. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and treatments for both small and large animals, as well as any specific cases relevant to the practice. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for veterinary medicine shine through. Share experiences that highlight your love for animals and your commitment to their welfare. Discuss any particular interests you have within the field, whether it’s surgery, diagnostics, or client education.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions about the practice and its approach to veterinary care. Inquire about their mentoring process, opportunities for professional development, or how they handle complex cases. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the team.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine. The team at Stewartry Veterinary Centre values collaboration and mutual respect, so being authentic will help them see how you’d fit into their culture. Show them your friendly, approachable side!