Caithness vets are stars of new TV documentary series

The ups and downs of life in mainland Britain's most northern veterinary practice will come under the spotlight in a new TV documentary series starting on Monday night.

The Highland Vet features the dedicated team of vets, vet nurses and staff members from DS McGregor & Partners' mixed practices in Thurso and Wick, who were filmed hard at work during the winter and early spring.

Led by veterinary surgeon and practice director Guy Gordon, the team covers an expanse of more than 1000 square miles, helping pets, farm animals and wildlife 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. More than 700 farms rely on the vets who respond to emergency call-outs whatever the weather.

The series, co-produced by Daisybeck Studios, an eOne company, and Motion Content Group, follows on from Channel 5’s hit show The Yorkshire Vet – now in its 10th series. The programme makers say "the rugged yet beautiful landscape, real tales of local people and heart-warming animal stories, together with the everyday challenges the vets face, are set to make this new show a favourite with viewers".

The 12-part one-hour programme begins on June 15 at 9pm on 5Select and the first episode sees vet Shondie Maclean facing the most dramatic case of her career when an emergency arrives at the practice.

Leyla, a two-month-old Tamaskan puppy, has been brought in after being attacked by an older dog. Shondie is joined by vet nurse Lee-Ann Mackay as they battle through the night to save the puppy with a broken jaw, and things get worse when they discover a mysterious metal object in her belly.

Guy, who has been at the practice for more than 20 years, risks missing yet another date with his wife when he is called to an emergency at a farm 30 miles away. A two-year-old heifer has landed herself in trouble after jumping a wall to get near a neighbour’s bull. She is now about to give birth but her calf is huge, and Guy must decide if a caesarean section is needed.

Vet David Mackay is on call too, as the owner of rescued beach donkey Lerah is concerned after finding blood in her pet’s poo. Lerah’s best friends – Pepper and Rupert the sheep – also look concerned for the old donkey as David investigates the problem.

Back at the practice, new vet Rebecca Mayer must prepare for the return of Squeaky the raucous Indian ring-neck parrot who kicked up a fuss on his last visit when he dropped in to have his claws trimmed.

Guy said: "Involving our veterinary practice in The Highland Vet has been a fun and enriching experience for all of us. Seeing our inner world through an external lens will surely be enlightening."

Downton Abbey actress Phyllis Logan narrates the show and says that working on The Highland Vet made her fall in love with Scotland again.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.