Get to know the people you will meet in the Wick Surgery, their role within the practice and their role within the wider community.
We have divided the staff into 3 categories: veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and the support staff. The success of the practice is based on the co-operation and co-ordination of all the staff in the day to day running of the business. Each has their role, and each is valued for the role they play.
Veterinary surgeons
Iain was born and brought up in Lewis. From there he went on to Edinburgh to study at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies before joining the practice in 1990.
He is a director in the practice and enjoys the variety of work that the practice offers. Among other things he actually enjoys small animal dentistry and dealing with the admin side of the business.
When not at work Iain takes part in the activities and the running of Pulteneytown & Thrumster Parish Church.
At home he enjoys gardening, reading and attempting the puzzle page of the newspaper.
Ian joined the practice in 2002, having worked in Keith and New Zealand. He graduated from Glasgow University and has a special interest in the farm animal side of the practice.
Kiri was brought up in Stirkoke and went to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies to do her training. She was a member of the ladies rugby team there and was also involved in organising many student events. She joined the practice in 2012. When not at work she takes part in Highland dancing and also enjoys dressmaking, baking and long walks in the Caithness countryside with her husband.
Pete is originally for the Scottish Borders and graduated from Edinburgh Vet School in 2011. He started his career at a busy mixed practice in Cumbria and after a stint in Dingwall joined the team at DSMCG in 2105, becoming a director three years later.
He enjoys the variety of veterinary work on offer in the Highlands and the fact that no two days are the same – one minute you can be at the surgery treating a poorly dog and the next you could be on your way to see a lame horse or do a calving.
When not at work Pete spends most of his time running around after his four children and menagerie of animals on the family farm. He enjoys watching football and rugby and tries to keep fit by playing squash - unfortunately, finding out he needs glasses and investing in contacts has not improved his game.
Katie graduated from Glasgow University in 2012. She joined the DSMCG team in 2021 after moving to the north to be closer to family. Before this, she was based in Dundee in a small animal practice.
She enjoys all aspects of small animal practice but especially surgery and dentistry. She also has an interest in dog behaviour and find taking the time to help nervous dogs bond to the practice, one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
At home, she lives with two collies, Morgan and Talisker, Harris the cat and an adult and child human companions. She is an avid fan of the theatre, especially musicals, but is really a bit of a metal head with ever changing hair colour. She is also a huge nerd so feel free to discuss your pet's behavioural issues or debate the pros and cons of the new Star Wars trilogy.
Veterinary nurses
After leaving school Lorraine worked as a stable hand at a local trekking centre and then as a groom for one of the local estates. She joined the practice in 2001 and soon started on her Veterinary Nurse training. She took a sabbatical for 9 months to work her way around Australia and New Zealand, now she is back as part of the nursing and reception team in the Wick surgery. When not at work she enjoys walking her dog, horse riding and socialising with her friends.
Patti joined the practice shortly after leaving school in 2004, after a couple of years she went on to do her Veterinary Nurse training and is now part of the nursing team she is also involved in the reception and does some admin work as well. Patti says she has no free time as she now has 2 children.
Sharon used to do some evening work at the practice when she was in school and after leaving school in 1994 she joined the practice full time. She has completed her Veterinary Nurse training, and since becoming a mother works on a part-time basis with the nursing team. When not at work, she walks the dogs and acts as the mum-taxi service. If there is any time left after that, she enjoys reading crime fiction and watching films.
Zoe joined DSMCG in 2011 where she underwent her training and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2016. She trained as a clinical coach in 2018 and enjoys working with student veterinary nurses as they complete their qualification. In Zoe’s spare time she likes to take photos of her Jack Russell Teenie as they go on walks around Caithness.
Ashleigh joined the practice in 2015, completing her nurse training and qualifying in 2018.
She enjoys all aspects of the job and also works on reception two days of the week.
In her spare time, she enjoys watching her way through Netflix and taking her dogs for long walks on the beach.
Support Staff
Joined the practice in 2013 for reception duties but main reason to work here is all the puppy cuddles ?. Friendly face at the counter & happy to help anyone, really enjoy my job! Don’t have much spare time with 3 kids but I help out at Achalone Activities & love dog walking!
Nicola joined the reception team in 2015. She and Sarah work together, being the point of first contact for all your questions.