Do you see the future vets? The William Dick Building stands here. It is ready to train the next generation of animal caregivers. This building is part of the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies. People often call it the Dick Vet. It is the University of Edinburgh’s vet school. The Dick Vet is part of the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.
Originally, the school was called the Highland Society’s Veterinary School. William Dick established it. He was a student of anatomist John Barclay. Barclay taught at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. The first classes started in November 1823. However, some lectures were given before this date. Mary Dick, William’s sister, helped run the school.
The school started in Clyde Street. In 1833, William Dick paid for a building there. Before this, he taught near his father’s forge. In 1839, his school became a college. William Dick became a professor. He taught over 2000 students before he died in 1866. These students started vet schools in other countries. These countries include Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United States. Dick left his college to the Burgh Council of Edinburgh.
After William’s death, there was a crisis. William Williams started a rival school. It was called the New Veterinary College. Williams took many students and the library. In 1873, the school was officially named Dick’s Veterinary College. In 1904, Williams’ school moved to Liverpool. It became the University of Liverpool Faculty of Veterinary Science. The Royal Dick Veterinary College became official in 1906.
The Dick Vet moved to Summerhall in 1916. Orlando Charnock Bradley was the principal. In 1951, it became the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies. It joined the University of Edinburgh. In 1964, it became a full faculty.
In 2009 and 2010, Scottish Television made documentaries about the school. These shows featured different animal cases.
In 2011, the school moved to the Easter Bush campus. The William Dick Building opened here. Princess Anne opened it. The building has special teaching facilities. These include a clinical skills lab and lecture theaters. Andy Scott made the artwork Canter for the opening.
The Easter Bush Veterinary Campus has many facilities. These facilities include the Roslin Institute and the Dick Vet Hospital for Small Animals. There is also the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education. The National Avian Research Facility is also on campus.
The William Dick Building helps the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies stay at the top. It provides a modern place for future vets to learn. The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies is highly ranked. It is a leading vet school in the United Kingdom and the world.