Delivering innovative veterinary care in the North
Scottish Vet Referrals is a dedicated multidisciplinary veterinary referral centre based on Inverness Campus. As the only independent multidisciplinary veterinary centre in the north of Scotland, it plays a vital role in delivering expert care for animals across the region.
Founded by veterinary ophthalmologists Kirsten Macleod and Tony Wall, the practice was established to provide specialist support to veterinary clinics across the Highlands and Islands. At the outset, it focused on complex and challenging eye conditions, offering diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and emergency care.
Their commitment to clinical excellence and animal welfare has earned them a strong reputation - not just for ophthalmology but for a growing range of specialist veterinary services. Its base at the Campus has meant thousands of animals – from eagles to horses - have been saved from painful and expensive travel to the central belt.
A growing business with a strong vision
Scottish Vet Referrals began life on Inverness Campus with a team of just three.
Today, the practice has grown to 20 highly skilled staff, including consultants in a wide range of disciplines. Their custom-designed facility offers:
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopaedic surgery
• Soft tissue surgery
• Internal medicine and oncology
• Cardiorespiratory services
• Dermatology
• CT scanning
• British Veterinary Association / Kennel Club eye testing
Their state-of-the-art equipment at the Campus and purpose-built centre were designed with growth in mind.
“We designed and built this facility to match our ambition,” says co-founder Tony Wall. “We have been able to grow steadily here and build a brilliant team. Our vets all hold Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons-recognised advanced qualifications in their respective areas and, collectively, over 250 years of veterinary experience. Our nurses and administrative support staff we employ are among the best and are central to the care and outcomes we provide.”
Why Inverness Campus? A world-class location for animal and human health innovation
Scottish Vet Referrals is a proud owner-occupier on Inverness Campus, a place where researchers, clinicians, scientists, and businesses come together with a shared focus on improving human and animal health.
“We moved into our building in 2016 and have never looked back,” says Kirsten Macleod. “HIE has supported us from the start, and the Campus gives us a fantastic working environment and access to some incredible opportunities for collaboration.”
With the opening of SRUC’s Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre, and established links with experts at UHI - including Dr Antonia Pritchard, a specialist in genetics and immunology -the practice continues to look to a future of innovation.
The team has always been interested in collaborating through the One Health agenda: a global initiative that recognises the interconnection between people, animals, plants and their shared environment.
Being on Inverness Campus allows us to connect with other life sciences organisations. There’s a natural fit here for anyone working on the interface of human and animal health; and the spirit of collaboration is real.Kirsten Macleod, Co-founder , Scottish Vet Referrals
An inspiring example for others
Scottish Vet Referrals is a shining example of what’s possible on Inverness Campus - for those in the life sciences, innovation, and health sectors. Their journey reflects the ambition of the Campus itself: to be a place where knowledge, care, innovation, and business thrive side by side.
Whether you're a business involved in shaping veterinary medicine, medical technology, biotechnology, or beyond - there’s space to grow, collaborate and innovate on Inverness Campus.
If you’re doing good work, you can attract good people. The Campus network and facilities are a big part of our success.Tony Wall, Co-founder, Scottish Vet Referrals