Aspiring young vets from across North Ayrshire enjoyed their first steps towards a veterinary career last week as they took part in this year’s Vets-a-go-go scheme.

Senior pupils from Greenwood, Ardrossan, Largs, Kilwinning and Garnock academies enjoyed a week-long programme of activities, including trips to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre near Beith and Clyde Vet Group in Lanark, where they heard from a variety of specialist vets and vet nurses during a tour of a working equine hospital, as well as visiting a small animal hospital.

The pupils also visited Vets4Pets in Irvine and the Dawn Meats abattoir in Stevenston, where they learned about the role of vets in ensuring animals are fit for human consumption as well as animal welfare at the facility.

Developed by North Ayrshire Council’s Education Services as part of the Developing the Young Workforce initiative – with input from the University of Glasgow’s REACH programme – Vets-a-go-go provides senior pupils with both a taste of the variety of careers within the world of veterinary medicine and the practical experience required for the university application procedure.

The pupils delivered a final presentation at Cunninghame House in Irvine, highlighting what they had learned and how the experience would help to shape their UCAS personal statements.

Councillor John Bell, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Having some veterinary experience is important when applying for university courses, but securing that experience can be extremely difficult.

“The Vets-a-go-go scheme not only provides this practical support, but also gives the pupils a real taste of the types of activities that they could expect to be undertaking once they graduate.”