Dick Vet graduate celebrates 'very special' BEM
Andrew Cant has been invited to perform at concerts and fundraisers.
A graduate of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year Honours.
Andrew Cant, who is currently chief veterinary officer for St Helena Government, was awarded the honour in recognition of his services to music in Orkney.
Mr Cant has played both the fiddle and the bagpipes for many years, performing as part of various groups and bands. His music style celebrates traditional Scottish music and the folk genre, including a variety of written tunes and songs of a similar style.
While it is a hobby, Mr Cant has been asked bring his musical talents to many community events, concerts and fundraisers. He draws inspiration from the events he performs at, as well as the camaraderie of his fellow musicians.
Mr Cant said: “I’ve been lucky to have been asked to play at one or two memorable occasions which have been fairly high profile, and that’s been an honour in itself, but highlights would be the places music has taken me and the people I’ve met and all the fun and laughs I’ve had along the way.”
He added: “It is very special to receive the award and a nice surprise.”
Mr Cant graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies over 40 years ago, before working in practice for nine years in Hawick, London, Musselburgh and Conon Bridge. He then returned to Orkney, where he worked for 30 years at Northvet before retiring in 2022.
He continued to take on locum work after his retirement, and is still involved with independent practice Scotvet in Glasgow.
Mr Cant has since taken on the role of chief veterinary officer on the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic, where he has worked for the past two years. His role invites plenty of variety for his veterinary career, as well as lots of opportunity to play the bagpipes and fiddle.
He describes his veterinary colleagues as ‘very generous’ in their comments on his BEM win.
Image © Andrew Cant
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. 
