Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Scorpion halts Edinburgh-bound train
A passenger train was stopped after the discovery of a live scorpion.
Arachnid scuttled out of a passenger’s bag

A passenger train travelling from London to Edinburgh had to be halted by police following the discovery of a live scorpion.

According to BBC News, the train was stopped at Peterborough at approximately 3pm on New Year’s day, after the arachnid scuttled its way out of a passenger’s bag.

Thankfully, British Transport Police officers were on hand to help, scooping the scorpion into an empty plastic tub and transporting it to a local exotics refuge.

“Happy to confirm we attended and quickly took the sting out of the situation!” they later tweeted.

Staff at the Exotic Pet Refuge in Deeping St James told BBC News that identifying the species of the scorpion might be difficult.

"I was told the woman whose bag it came out of had recently come back from Guatemala - and there are 100 different kinds of scorpion there," explained refuge centre owner Pam Mansfield.

"It's only small - about three-quarters of an inch - and it's jet black with very fine little pincers.

"Usually, the smaller they are, the deadlier they are - so it could be quite a nasty piece of work. But we'll treat it with care."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.