Scottish independent group marks 60th anniversary
DS McGregor & Partners was one of the first practices in Scotland to transfer into an Employee Ownership Trust.
A Scottish independent veterinary group is marking its 60th anniversary, two years after it became one of Scotland’s first employee-owned practices.
The group, which includes the most northern practice on the British mainland, is well-known for featuring on Channel 5’s The Highland Vet from 2020 to 2022.
DS McGregor & Partners first opened in Thurso in 1965, when owner Donald McGregor took on an existing practice. In 1983 he went on to buy a second practice in Wick, following the retirement of the previous owner.
Its team now consists of 48 employees, providing small animal, farm and equine services over a thousand square miles of Scotland.
In 2022, DS McGregor & Partners became one of the first practices in mainland Scotland to transfer into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). The group has formed an EOT board, consisting of five team members across different levels, which will sit alongside its board of directors to keep the practice updated on ideas and initiatives.
As part of its ongoing growth, the veterinary group recently completed work on a £300,000 extension to its Thurso practice. It was also part-funded by a £75,000 grant from the Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Alongside renovation to the existing practice, the extension gives the practice a second state of the art operation theatre, a third consulting room and additional ward space.
The veterinary group says that the new facilities will enable it to treat more local pets and wildlife.
It has also launched a new website, an online consultation booking system and a new health plan for cats and dogs. It says that its staff has been involved in all of the developments.
Fiona Sutherland, a director and veterinary surgeon for DS McGregor & Partners, said: “Pet ownership spiked during the pandemic with lots of people becoming pet owners for the first time, as well as welcoming second and third cats and dogs into their homes.
“All this means demand for our services is higher than ever, but crucially we now have the foundations in place to ensure that we can continue treating local pets, farm animals and horses for the next 60 years and beyond.”
Image © DS McGregor & Partners
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
