Bicentenary Events 2023
William Dick was the son of a farrier and had an early fascination with anatomy and medicine. He attended the Royal Veterinary College, London where he was granted a veterinary diploma before returning to Edinburgh where he began teaching at age 25.
Within five years had founded the first veterinary school in Scotland and in 1833 the proceeds from his extensive veterinary practice allowed him to commission a building to house the teaching - located at Clyde Street in the New Town area of Edinburgh.
By the time of his death, aged 73, the Clyde Street Veterinary College had four tutors and 818 students. Among his students were the founders of veterinary schools in Glasgow, Liverpool, Ireland, Canada, the USA and Australia.
11 March 2023: Fostering Compassion Workshops - 'Be a vet for a day'
‘Be a vet for the day’ allows vulnerable children to get a taste of life as a vet. Through our charity partners Fostering Compassion, we have arranged access for children to work alongside vet students and access the Clinical Skills training lab and teaching mannequins where they can put some skills into practice!
Invitation only
26 April 2023: Charnock Bradley Lecture
The Charnock Bradley Lecture will be delivered at the conclusion of the R(D)SVS Research Student Days, Wednesday 26 April, at the Roslin Institute.
This year's hour-long lecture will be at 4pm and will be delivered by Samuel Thevasagayam, Director (Livestock), Global Growth and Opportunity at Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The lecture will also be live streamed. No registration is necessary and more details of the topic of lecture to follow.
Follow live link: R(D)SVS Charnock Bradley Lecture 2023
17 May 2023: Campus Sports Fun Day
Staff, students and tenants will join together for an early summer Sports Day. There will be something for everyone with an ice cream van and retro races followed by refreshments and pizza.
Details will be sent before the event
8 July 2023: Graduation Prizegiving
Newly graduated students, parents and guests will come together for a special Bicentenary Graduation Celebration with prizegiving and a champagne reception.
Details will be sent before the event
13 September 2023: William Dick Memorial Lecture
The William Dick Memorial and Bicentenary Lecture, 2023 will be delivered by Professor David J Argyle, William Dick Professor and Vice Principal and Head of College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh.
The lecture, entitled 'Glancing Back but Looking Forward: 200 Years of Veterinary Science building a future for global impact', will be delivered at the Roslin Institute Auditorium.
Further details will follow
7-8 October 2023: Compassion Allways Conference
Scotland-based humane education charity Fostering Compassion is joining forces with American charity the Helen Woodward Animal Center to host its ‘Compassion Allways Conference’ as part of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies bicentenary celebrations.
As well as presentations on all things compassion, the Helen Woodward Animal Center will be delivering their highly respected Business of Saving Lives workshops. These provide invaluable advice to animal rescues and charities on how to maximise fundraising, marketing, PR and social media presence.
Further information or to reserve your place, contact Lesley Winton at lesley@fosteringcompassion.org
24 November 2023: Alumni Event
Summerhall was home to the Dick Vet for over 100 years (1906-2011). We invite you join us on the anniversary of William Dick’s first lecture for an afternoon of reminiscing and sharing.
You will have the opportunity to come together with students past and present to explore Summerhall, learn about the building's history, and how it continues to serve Edinburgh and beyond in 2023.
Book your tickets online now via Eventbrite
25 November 2023: Bicentenary Gala Dinner
The bicentenary year of celebrations culminates in an evening at the National Museum of Scotland. Friends and family of the School will enjoy a drinks reception followed by dinner and will be treated to a custom-made gin, distilled at our former home of Summerhall.
Invitation only