Our Background
Westport Veterinary Clinic is a locally owned practice with a strong commitment to giving the best possible care to your pets.
We have been treating your pets for nearly 30 years, starting as a mixed practice in Linlithgow with David Porteous as Head Vet. David worked hard to create a loyal client base and first class reputation and today we are proud to continue this legacy.
In 2013,the decision was made to focus on treating small animals only, allowing us to significantly increase the level of care we could provide to these patients. We used this opportunity to upgrade the original clinic site in Linlithgow with new equipment and facilities.
In 2018, we had the opportunity to buy Capital Vets in South Queensferry and Drumbrae Vets in Edinburgh after Gerry, the original owner, retired. This meant we could move our South Queensferry branch into the purpose built practice in The Loan, increasing our capabilities for our clients in South Queensferry and providing a more local site for our Edinburgh clients.
In 2023, having outgrown the space available in original premises the Linlithgow practice moved to a new purpose built practice in the Mill Road Industrial estate, greatly increasing our capacity to care for your pets in state of the art facilities.
Our real strength however lies in the brilliant and knowledgeable vets and nurses who bring a wealth of experience to Westport Veterinary Clinic.
Westport Vets is owned and run by Company Director and Veterinary Surgeon Stuart McMorrow
Director Of Operations: Fiona Leathers RVN, CertNCS(VPM)
Reception Team Lead: Audrey Brown RVN
Insurance Administrator: Wendy Scot-O’Donnell
Team Westport Linlithgow consists of:
Senior Vet: Gina Henry
Veterinary Surgeons: Emily Cope, Lisa Rasmussen, Yasmin Lester-Powell, Hannah Padley, Graham Leathers, Natalie Dunn, Ashley McCartney, Conor Reilly
Head Nurse: Paula Murphy
Registered Veterinary Nurses: Louise Forrester, Carena Schmid, Abi Ross, Rachel Kirk, Paige Piper, Lauren Walter, Lauren Wilson, Sophia Smith-Saville, Naomi McLauchlan, Victoria Hall
Animal Care Assistants: Amy Keenan
Veterinary Care Assistant: Lynsey Murray
Customer Care Specialists: Leigh Daly, Jessica Douglas, Kerry Donnelly, Nicole Dredge & David Grierson
Team Westport South Queensferry and Drumbrae consists of:
Senior Vet: Sam Hillier
Veterinary Surgeons: Rachel Robb, Mair Tyler, Andrew Soutar
Head Nurse: Chloe Egan
Registered Veterinary Nurses: Lucy Beattie, Steph Fisher, Jessica Healy, Nicola MacPhee & Gillian White
Student Veterinary Nurses: Cat Park
Customer Care Specialists: Gail Ainslie, Wendy Girling & Hannah Reid
Westport Veterinary Clinic invests significantly in all of the clinical team to continue their learning and development and ensuring your pets receive the most up to date care possible. Staff regularly attend continued professional development seminars and courses, complete daily ward rounds, participate in weekly clinical discussions, monthly journal clubs and regular in house training run by specialist veterinary surgeons. You can read about a small sample of the training courses we attend in our blog.
Our Premises & Equipment
Westport Veterinary Clinic has branches in Linlithgow, South Queensferry & Edinburgh, which all provide a convenient location for our clients to attend consultations, collect medications and food orders. Clients can be seen at any of our branches, at a time which is convenient for you, and can request the same vet where possible to ensure continuity of care for their pets.
Linlithgow:
Opened in February 2023, our Linlithgow branch is our largest site with the main practice occupying the ground floor and our Cat clinic upstairs (lift access available). Facilities include:
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5 consulting rooms in the main clinic, with a further 2 cat only consulting rooms in the Cat Clinic
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A spacious preparation room for calm and efficient care of patients before and after their procedures
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2 dedicated operating theatres for “clean” soft tissue and orthopaedic surgeries
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A separate dental suite with integrated digital dental xray unit and a variety of equipment for treating dogs, cats and small furries
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An imaging suite with digital xray system and ultrasound scanner
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In house laboratory enabling rapid diagnoses to be made
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Warm and comfortable kennels in a variety of sizes for the smallest to the largest of our canine patients.
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The cat clinic can accommodate up to 14 cats in our Casco Pet WellKennels (TM) – these amazing fully integrated units have built-in dimmable lighting, heated floors and ventilated partially frosted glass doors to provide our feline friends with a comfortable, low stress environment.
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Blood pressure monitoring equipment
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A wide range of surgical equipment including surgical electrocautery and orthopaedic equipment for performing TTA-MMP and TPLO surgeries, as well as fracture repairs.
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Medical support equipment including oxygen kennel, blood transfusion facilities and intravenous fluid infusion pumps
South Queensferry:
Our South Queensferry practice shares many similar facilities with Linlithgow, but is also home to our Laparoscopic equipment which allows us to perform “keyhole” neutering surgeries, minimally invasive internal abdominal examinations and organ biopsies if necessary.
Other amenities include:
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3 consulting rooms in the main clinic, along with our summer house appointment room in the practice garden, offering a quieter space for nervous patients and for acupuncture sessions.
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A spacious preparation room for calm and efficient care of patients before and after their procedures
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A dedicated operating theatre for “clean” Laparoscopic, soft tissue and orthopaedic surgeries
-
Dental equipment including a digital dental x-ray unit and a variety of equipment for treating dogs, cats and small furries.
-
An imaging suite with digital xray system and ultrasound scanner
-
In house laboratory enabling rapid diagnoses to be made
-
Warm and comfortable kennels in a variety of sizes for the smallest to the largest of our canine patients.
-
A separate cat ward accommodating up to 4 cats in our Casco Pet WellKennels (TM) – these amazing fully integrated units have built-in dimmable lighting, heated floors and ventilated partially frosted glass doors to provide our feline friends with a comfortable, low stress environment.
-
Blood pressure monitoring equipment
-
A wide range of surgical equipment including surgical electrocautery and orthopaedic equipment for performing TTA-MMP and TPLO surgeries, as well as fracture repairs.
-
Medical support equipment including oxygen kennel, blood transfusion facilities and intravenous fluid infusion pumps
Edinburgh (Drumbrae):
The Edinburgh branch offers an easily accessible and convenient location for clients local to the west end of the city.
There are 2 spacious consulting rooms for vet and vet nurse appointments, including chronic pain assessments and acupuncture sessions.
Although we cannot hospitalise patients or perform surgical procedures at the Edinburgh branch, we are happy to arrange transport of your pets in our ambulance to the South Queensferry branch and back when required.
Meet the Team
Stuart McMorrow BVM&S MRCVS
Stuart graduated from The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies in 1999 and his first job was a mixed practice in Falkirk. He then spent a few years as a locum, working in a number of practices across the Central belt. This allowed Stuart to train with, and play for the Scotland National Hockey team. He then moved on to work at the PDSA (a veterinary charity) in Edinburgh where he became the Senior Vet in 2006. After twelve years at PDSA, gaining fantastic experience, Stuart decided to join Westport Veterinary Clinic where he is now the sole owner and senior vet.
Stuart loves all things surgical – especially wound management and reconstructive surgery and orthopaedics. Stuart has also developed a love of dentistry and has completed multiple dental continued education courses and is working towards further qualifications in this area. And, more recently Stuart has started learning more about minimally invasive surgery which will allow him to perform laparoscopic neutering.
Stuart and his family has one rescue cat – Jazz – and three Border Terriers – Barney and Larry and Bracken. Stuart can be found most weekends out with the dogs and kids up Witchcraig and Beecraigs, or out cycling to keep fit. Stuart lives locally in Torphichen.
Mair Tyler MVB PgC(SAM) MRCVS
Mair was brought up in Northern Ireland and graduated from University College Dublin in 2005. After a few years working in mixed (farm and small animal) practice in the beautiful wild west of Ireland, she decided to make Scotland her home. She worked in mixed practice in Perthshire where she was lucky enough to have the chance to do some work at Blair Drummond Safari park. Since 2014, Mair has worked in small animal practice in West Lothian before joining the team at Westport in 2021. Mair has a postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine and particularly enjoys working with diabetic patients, emergency cases and carrying out soft tissue surgery. Mair lives with her elderly Border collie Laika and 3 cats – Socks (who has at least 12 lives!), Harmony and Melody. When not working Mair sings in a choir, plays netball, loves to cook and has recently taken up Irish dancing!
Sam Hillier BVSc PgCert (VBM) MRCVS
Sam is the lead vet for our South Queensferry and Drumbrae branches and has been at Westport since the start of 2018. Sam originally came from Yorkshire and started work there at a busy veterinary hospital before moving up to Edinburgh in 2016. He loves the variety of general practice and has a range of clinical interests, from diabetic management to laparoscopic (key hole) surgery. Outside of work, he is married and has two young daughters. He enjoys escaping to the hills either hiking or cycling when he gets the chance.
Rachel Robb BVM&S ECAS WVA&CPM MRCVS
Rachel qualified from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh in 2008. After a year working in Leeds she moved to Glasgow where she worked for 9 years at a busy small animal practice before returning home to Edinburgh in summer 2018 to join the team at Westport Vets. She enjoys all aspects of medicine and dermatology and has a particular interest in chronic pain management, completing a certificate in Veterinary Western Acupuncture and Chronic Pain Management in 2022. She runs chronic pain and acupuncture clinics at Westport and has a particular soft spot for the golden oldies!
Outside of work Rachel enjoys photography and trying to control her garden and indoor jungle. She spends her spare time with her family and her two rather high maintenance cats!
Gina Henry BVMS MRCVS
Gina graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2016. She spent the first 3 years of her career working in a busy small animal practice in central Scotland, before joining the team at Westport in July 2019. She enjoys all aspect of first opinion practice, and the variety it brings every day! In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, travelling, and exploring the scenic countryside on hikes.
Emily Cope BVM&S MRCVS
Emily graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. She worked for 1 year in Derbyshire, before moving back home and working in small animal and exotics practices in central Scotland. Emily is working towards a certificate in Small Animal Internal Medicine, and has an interest in diagnostic imaging and exotics.
Outside of work Emily looks after her two small children, and when she gets the chance enjoys running, sea kayaking and hill walking. The family also includes Pixel the cat, a cockatiel called Brandy and several newts.
Graham Leathers BVM&S MRCVS
Graham originally hails from Norn Iron (the emerald Isle or Northern Ireland) but went to Edinburgh to train to be a vet (many many years ago!). He has since worked almost exclusively in Central Scotland, excepting a brief period back home initially. He was lucky enough to find a lovely Scottish lady to live with him, and somewhat miraculously she agreed to marry him too. They currently live with two dogs of questionable pedigree, who are both very special in their own unique ways, and a cat.
In his spare time he can usually find broken things to try to fix, or jobs needing done around the house, but if he tries really hard can sometimes be found reading a book, listening to music or going for a walk. In work over the years he has dealt with many different animals, from the exotic to the ordinary, at all times of day and night, inside and outside in all weathers, but if forced to choose would claim “houndlings are the best”. He hopes that his experience (another way of saying he’s quite old now) will help him to provide help and reassurance to both the pets (and their owners) of Westport Veterinary Clinic when they most need it.
Åse Lisa Rasmussen DrMedVet MRCVS
Lisa moved from Norway to Edinburgh in 2020 to enjoy the Fringe festival and never left. She joined the team at Westport Vets in January 2022 and loves meeting all our clients and getting to know their pets. She has a keen interest in internal medicine. In her spare time, she takes care of her pet hamster, Bandit and enjoys exploring all Scotland has to offer.
Yasmin Lester-Powell BVM&S MSc MRCVS
Yasmin Lester-Powell graduated as a Vet from the University of Edinburgh in 2020. Originally from Gloucestershire she now lives in Leith with her two guinea pigs; Pickle and Pudding. Her favourite food is pesto pasta which she enjoys twice weekly.
Hannah Padley BVetMed MRCVS
Hannah qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 2007 and started working in mixed practice in Cornwall for a year before deciding to focus on small animal work. She worked in the South East of England for nearly 10 years before moving north to make Scotland her home in 2019. When not at work she enjoys spending time outdoors exploring the beautiful Scottish countryside with her family.
Natalie Dunn BVM&S MRCVS
Natalie graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2014. She has relocated back to sunny Scotland after a number of years living in (much more sunny) South London, joining the team here at Westport Vets in March 2022. Natalie has a one eyed rescue cat called ‘Mike’.
Cari Wilson BVSc MRCVS
Cari graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2019 and has since returned home to work in Scotland. She has worked in general and emergency practice and is studying for a postgraduate certificate in small animal internal medicine. Outside of work you’ll most likely find her out walking/running with her lurcher, Pip, or looking after her retired ponies.
Fiona Leathers RVN (Director of Operations)
Fiona qualified as an RVN in 2002 after studying full time at Edinburgh’s Telford College.
Before joining the Westport family in Feb 2018, she worked as Head Nurse in practices in Glasgow & Bonnybridge. She is a qualified Clinical Coach which means she is responsible for the training of our Student Veterinary Nurses. In 2017, Fiona won The Blue Cross Veterinary Nurse of the Year title and she is the Scottish “Bandaging Angel” for The Veterinary Wound Library which means she travels to other veterinary practices teaching them all aspects of wound care & bandaging techniques. Fiona is also the first RVN to hold the position of Chairperson for Vet Trust Ltd, a Scottish charity.
Prior to qualifying as an RVN, Fiona was a riding instructor & show jumping groom in London & Switzerland. She is married to Graham, who is also a vet and they have a daughter called Hannah who is currently studying photography in Glasgow. She currently has two dogs, Mavis & Bunty (both mongrels and a bit special), a cat called Tasmin (the brains of the household) and a pondful of goldfish.
Paula Murphy RVN (Head Nurse)
Paula began her nursing career a full time student in 1997. She then went on to train at Edinburgh Telford college qualifying in 2002. She began working in a first opinion and referral hospital in Stirling and enjoyed the variety of cases that a large hospital deals with. She became an orthopaedic nurse and deputy head before moving on to a different practice .
From 2002 to 2018 Paula worked at a small animal practice in East Lothian and then Edinburgh when that practice expanded. This practice helped to grow Paula’s skills and love for both animal and clients. Paula began working at Westport Vets Linlithgow in September 2018 with anaesthesia and client care as some of her main interests.
She lives locally in Torphichen with husband David and kids Mathew and Kathryn. She has a cockapoo called Obi and a cat called Harry. She enjoys all aspects of nursing with anaesthesia and client care being her favourite areas. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and socialising with her friends. She is also a member of her village galaday committee so can be found fund raising and event planning throughout the year.
Louise Forrester RVN
Outside of work Louise enjoys horse riding and competes on her own horse Splash at Dressage. She also enjoys long walks with her two dogs- Dude the Labradoodle and Chip who is a collie X kerry blue terrier and also has a house rabbit and guinea pig.
Carena Schmid RVN
Carena joined the team in November 2016 having spent the previous 2 years in a busy Vets4Pets practice working as a RVN after being there as a student. Before qualifying she was fortunate to gain varied experience at different practices including Glasgow Vet School. Interested in dental work she has completed BVNA Oral Care Nurse Certificate. Carena has a keen interest in canine behaviour, in particular with reactive dogs, and is a Training Assistant at weekly training and behaviour classes with Lothlorien Dog Services in Linlithgow. Carena has 2 Border Collies, both rescue dogs, (Mr) Flash and (Miss) Darcy!
Gillian White RVN
Gillian qualified as an RVN in November 2018 from SRUC Barony Campus. Before qualifying, Gillian studied Animal Care at SRUC Oatridge Campus and worked at Dogs Trust for a year and a half. She has a keen interest in lab-work, and is a Clinical Coach guiding student vet nurses in their training to become RVNs. Gillian has completed the Western Veterinary Acupuncture course as well as the BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Merit Award in Behaviour. She enjoys carrying out acupuncture as well as Confidence Clinics for canine patients. In her spare time Gillian enjoys spending time with her little Sphynx cat Bluebell, reading, and archery.
Abi Ross RVN
She enjoys all aspects of nursing, from surgery to nurse clinics, but has a particular interest in our feline patients, having grown up on a farm with lots of cats of her own!
In her spare time she volunteers with Streetvet in Glasgow and spends quality time with her little rescue dog (Mr) Douglas
Chloe Egan RVN (Head Nurse)
Chloe graduated in November 2017 from SRUC Barony College and joined team Westport in 2019. She is head nurse at our South Queensferry branch. She has completed her diploma in feline nursing and is currently working towards her certificate in surgical nursing. Chloe has a great love for cats and is also an ISFM Certified Feline Nurse. At the weekends she likes to spend her time with her family, going out dancing and eating numerous packets of sweeties. At home she has Wallace the black lab, and 3 cats – Jasmine, Tigger and Oliver.
Nicola Macphee RVN
Nicola started nursing with capital vets and stayed on when Westport acquired the practice. She qualified with Scotlands rural college in 2021. Nicola’s professional interests are fear free veterinary care, nursing hospitalised patients and anaesthesia.
She is also keen to work with wildlife so volunteers as a Marine Mammal Medic at British Divers Marine Life Rescue. Outside of work Nicola is interested in sea swimming, free diving and relaxing with her cat.
Rachel Kirk RVN
Rachel has been with Westport Vets since 2019 and qualified in June 2022. She enjoys intensive nursing care and is working towards the ISFM certificate in Feline Nursing. At home she spends time with her cat, Pablo and tortoise called Bruce. She also enjoys going on city breaks, reading and binge watching true crime documentaries.
Lauren Wilson RVN
Lauren graduated from Edinburgh Napier University in 2018. After graduating she went to work in 1st opinion practice before moving on to work in a busy referral hospital in Stirling. She joined the Westport team in July 2022.
In practice, Lauren enjoys carrying out x-rays and getting involved with medicine cases. She has completed the ISFM Diploma in feline nursing and the Blue Cross pet bereavement course. Outside of work Lauren enjoys travelling and spending time with her friends, family and rescue ragdoll called Marty.
Paige Piper RVN
Paige started at Westport as a student before qualifying in 2021. She has recently started studying towards her medical nursing certificate in order to help improve her knowledge with in-patient care. Outside of work you’ll find Paige spending quality time with her 2 dogs Waffle and Kiwi.
Lucy Beattie RVN
Lucy started in practice in 1996, qualifying in 2000 as an RVN. In 2017 she obtained her certificate from Vets Now in Emergency and Critical Care. Lucy joined Westport in May 2023 at our South Queensferry Branch and enjoys consulting, emergency work and meeting all of Westport’s clients and pets.
Steph Fisher RVN
Steph graduated in 2022 from Edinburgh Napier University and joined Westport in 2018 as a SVN and now works at the South Queensferry branch as an RVN. She has an Interest in patient care, anaesthesia, rehabilitation and coaching. Steph has a giant dog (Sullivan), small black cat (Eve) and 2 axolotls (Toothless & Light fury) at home. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and watching Disney movies!
Sophia Smith-Saville
Lauren Walter
Victoria Hall
Naomi McLauchlan
Cat Park SVN
Cat joined team Westport in 2021 as a VCA student with SRUC, completing this course in 2022 and rejoining the team as a staff member in 2024. Cat enjoys assisting the vets and nurses and helping to keep the practice neat and tidy, with hopes to go on to become an SVN. In their spare time Cat enjoys handcrafts such as crochet and weaving, lots of outdoor adventures and hanging out with their elderly cat, Sooty.
Lynsey Murray VCA
Lynsey is a patient care assistant (PCA) here at Westport Vets. In her spare time you’ll find her around animals: whether its walking dog or more recently helping with lambing and shearing Alpacas.
Amy Keenan PCA
Amy is a patient care assistant at Westport. She has 2 dogs, 4 cats and a horse. She is currently working towards getting qualified as a veterinarian.
Gail Ainslie
Gail is the receptionist at our South Queensferry branch. Gail is incredibly friendly and outgoing and likes nothing better than a good natter with the clients in the waiting room! She is also very attached to all her South Queensferry patients and is always keen to take their photos to add to her album which she keeps at the reception desk. Gail has been working with Westport vets for over 35 years and has experienced all the changes. She is currently working towards her bronze level fear free qualification.
Gail loves her dogs, particularly little Louie the Chihuahua. In her spare time Gail is a bit of a “biker chick” and enjoys travelling around Scotland and Europe by motorcycle with her husband and their tent.
Wendy Girling
Wendy has been the receptionist at the Drumbrae branch for over 11 years! Wendy enjoys meeting and assisting clients old and new. She lives with her husband and 2 cats.
Hannah Reid
Hannah joined team Westport Vets in May 2022 and is part of the reception and admin team. She enjoyd seeing and chatting to clients and getting lots of puppy cuddles. She joined the team in May 2022 and has loved every minute of it since! Hannah has recently completed her BVRA Bronze level award and is currently working through her Silver BVRA Award. Hannah loves learning so is always looking for opportunities to add to her qualifications and learn something new.
Hannah graduated from the University of the West of Scotland in 2021 with an Honours Degree in Photography and loves taking photos and working on projects outside of work in her own time. Outside of work she enjoys reading and spending time online with friends playing video games.
Leigh Daly RVN
Leigh qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2001. Since then she has worked in small animal practice in and around Glasgow and Edinburgh. Leigh took a special interest in out of hours and emergency and critical care nursing and spent 12 years working in this field before moving onto head nurse and practice management roles.
Leigh lives just outside Glasgow with husband Chris, young Staffie Maisie and 4 cats Panthro, Issac, Eddie and Ash, along with 2 rescued chickens. In her spare time she helps Chris manage the boarding kennels they have on their property and taking Maisie on long walks up the Campsie Hills close to their home.
In September 2020, Leigh joined the Westport team and took over the management of the Friends of Westport Healthcare plan. Leigh is now administration manager and assists Stuart and Fiona with the daily running of the clinics which includes the management of the reception team, processing and paying invoices, processing payroll and various other management tasks.
Jessica Douglas
Jessica has been working at Westport since January. She has three rescue dogs, Mia, Hero & Maggie. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the theatre & eating out.
Nicole Dredge
Nicole started working at Westport in November 2023 as a receptionist. She enjoys seeing all the pets and meeting all our clients. Nicole has 4 dogs called Oreo, Ollie, Myles and Tilly. 2 cats called Mikey and Freddie, 2 terrapins called Nacho and Crash and a horse called Zumo. Outside of work I enjoy going for walks as well as horse riding.
David Grierson
David joined Westport Vets in November of 2023 from Aldi Linlithgow. He occasionally works backstage as a theatre lighting technician in Edinburgh at The Festival Theatre and The Playhouse. Many years ago he also trained as a croupier dealing Roulette, Blackjack and Poker.
Wendy Scott-O’Donnell RVN
Wendy started in veterinary practice straight from school in 2000 and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2005, training within a veterinary hospital in Stirling. She continued to work at the veterinary hospital and enjoyed working with specialists in Orthopaedics, Cardiology and Neurology. She also spent a period of time working as their insurance adviser while studying for a degree in Biomedical Science. In 2019 she moved on to work in a Dermatology Referral Service which was incredibly interesting and a different pace from the busy hospital environment. While working she obtained a few certificates in Feline and Canine Behaviour and has recently completed a Diploma in Animal Behaviour. Outside of work she enjoys volunteering for a local cat charity, helping with the occasional puppy class, spending time with friends and family and taking her 2 children to swim classes. She is owned by her gorgeous Saluki cross called Fraggle.
Kerry Donnelly
Audrey Brown RVN
Audrey qualified as an RVN in 1994 and after working as a nurse and an Insurance Administrator in various Small Animal practices started working as Receptionist at Westport in Queensferry in 2022. She enjoys helping clients and patients and using her experience in the varied days at Queensferry. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with friends and family, walking, reading and going to theatre and the cinema.
