Site of Dick Vet’s first lecture commemorated
(l-r) Dr Sue Murphy, R(D)SVS; Catherine Eastwood, R(D)SVS, Dr Andrew Gardner, R(D)SVS; Prof Lisa Boden, R(D)SVS; Prof Gura Bergkvist, R(D)SVS; Prof Simone Meddle, The Roslin Institute and Susanne O'Connor, Howies.
A plaque has been unveiled to commemorate the site where the founder of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, William Dick, gave his first lecture.
Professor Dick first lectured on veterinary science on Monday, 24 November 1823, at the Calton Convening Rooms on Waterloo Place in Edinburgh.
To mark this 200 year milestone in their history, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has unveiled a plaque to pay tribute to Prof Dick, and the building’s connection to the School’s history.
The building now houses a restaurant, Howies restaurant. David Howie Scott, who owns the restaurant, did not know the building’s connection to the veterinary school until historians from the University of Edinburgh contacted him.
Prof Dick’s first lecture was attended by 25 students, mainly farriers and smiths, who shared his interest in horses and anatomy. He would continue lecturing at Calton Convening Rooms for 10 years, before commissioning a building on Clyde Street.
Staff from the School visited the site to unveil a commemorative plaque outside the room where Prof Dick first lectured, before having a meal at the restaurant.
The plaque reads: ‘Scottish veterinarian William Dick lectured in the Calton Convening Rooms here on 24 November 1823 marking the beginnings of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies’.
The building also features in the Dick Vet Way, a walking tour of sites of importance to the School’s history in Edinburgh.
The unveiling and walking tour form part of the Dick Vet’s bicentenary celebrations, marking 200 years since the school began. The school has also hosted an alumni event, an international conference and the William Dick Memorial lecture, which reflected on their history and considered the School’s future.
Prof Lisa Boden, head of school and dean of veterinary medicine, said: “I am delighted to unveil this plaque, which commemorates such an important part of the School’s 200-year history.”
Mrs Suzanne O’Connor, operations manager at the restaurant, said: “We are delighted to install a commemorative plaque in our restaurant recognising the historic connection between this building and the vet school.”
Image © The University of Edinburgh
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
