About Us

We’re an independent, family-owned veterinary practice in Leith, Edinburgh

We’re all about our clients and furry patients

Leith’s animal lovers deserve a community-focused, locally-owned veterinary practice.

That’s what we’re here to provide.

Practice owners - veterinarian Nichola Hinchy and her husband James Fintan Corcoran - are hands on and present in the practice.

Everyone at Leith Vets is here to get to know you and your pets in order to provide the best quality of care.

When you register your pet with Leith Vets, you’re supporting local families and local jobs.

Services

  • Consultations for well and unwell dogs, cats, small herbivores and exotic pets including birds

  • Neutering for dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets

  • Hospitalisation for unwell animals

  • Soft tissue surgery

  • Nurse consultations

  • Advanced dentistry with dental radiography

  • A DR x-ray machine offering high quality images

  • Ultrasonography

  • A full internal laboratory

Meet the team

  • Nichola Hinchy MRCVS BVSc (Hons)

    Clinical Director & Owner Leith Vets

    Nichola has worked as a small animal vet in the UK for a over decade.

    Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Nichola graduated from the University of Queensland in 2008 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons).

    A year of large animal adventures in New Zealand was followed by a rotating internship at SASH (Specialist Animal Hospital) in Ryde, Sydney. After returning to Brisbane for a few years, London friends convinced her to move over to the sunny UK. She met her Scottish husband James in London and they moved up to Edinburgh in 2016 to start a family.

    Nichola is now a proud dual citizen. She loves Scotland, the people and their animals. When she’s not working, she’s busy looking after their two small children and three dogs.

  • Jessica Steel BVMS MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Hi, I'm Jess. I grew up in and studied in Edinburgh. I graduated from the Dick Vet in 2022 and moved to rural Perthshire to work as a small animal and horse vet. I'm a big softy at heart and will gladly tell anyone about my two ragdoll cats, Biscuit and Rosie, who cause no end of chaos in my house. When I'm not busy with animals I am usually found covered in mud on a rugby field or curled up with my cats reading a good book.

    I'm really excited to be back in Edinburgh after a couple of years away and can't wait to get to know all the lovely pets of Leith.

  • Kayleigh Moran

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

    Hi I’m Kayleigh. Im a veterinary nurse who graduated from Bristol uni in 2022 with companion animal behaviour. I’m new to the area moving from Essex and I’m excited to explore Edinburgh in my free time. I aim to taste as many cafes as I can. I can’t wait to meet everyone and will willingly take recommendations.

  • Patricia Rattray

    Client Care Assistant

    I’m delighted to join Leith Vets as a part-time Client Care Assistant. After working for many years in financial services I am enjoying semi retirement working with animals and people who love animals. I have a two year old kerry blue called Rennie who you might meet in the practice. I am currently learning Greek as one of my three children now lives in Athens.

  • Richard Allan BVMS MRCVS

    Senior Veterinarian

    I’m excited to be joining the Leith Vets team. After graduating from Glasgow University in 2009, my first job was in Aberdeenshire as a mixed animal vet. I then moved back to Central Scotland and I have worked at The Lawrie Vet Group for the past 11 years. I enjoy seeing a variety of patients, from dogs and cats to chickens, parrots, snakes, lizards, rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and rats… I’ll happily see most things! I have a keen interest in ophthalmology cases and enjoy surgery too. I’m looking forward to meeting the animals of Leith and Edinburgh and everything that Leith has to offer.

  • Petra Steigaufova

    Client Care Assistant

    Hi, I'm Petra and I'm excited to be joining the team at Leith Vets as a client care assistant. I'm a dog owner and lover myself and my six year old crossbreed boy keeps me busy when I'm not working. We love hiking and exploring Scotland's great outdoors together. I have worked in customer service for many years and am looking forward to meeting Leith's animals and their owners.

  • Harriet Brown

    Harriet Brown

    Registered Veterinarian Nurse

    Hi, I’m Harriet and I’m originally from the North East of England. I moved to Edinburgh in 2004 to train as a veterinary nurse at Napier University. I have settled into the area and have 2 mad working cockers, a cat and a 5 year old daughter. I was head nurse at a long established practice in East Lothian and I have been nursing for 17 years and I love my job (I can’t imagine doing anything else!). I’m delighted to join Leith Vets to continue my career and I’m really looking forward to meeting you all.

  • Sarah L'Aiguille

    Veterinary Care Assistant

    Hi, I’m Sarah and I have just moved to Edinburgh from Western Australia. I have completed my certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in Australia and will be working as a veterinary care assistant until I complete my practical examination (OSCE) at the end of 2025. I love nature and the outdoors and look forward to exploring around Scotland and Europe while I am on this side of the world. 

    Back home I have 2 beautiful golden retrievers, a black cat and 3 rabbits who I miss dearly. I look forward to meeting you and your pets!!


  • Diane Bisset

    Client Care Assistant

    Hi, I’m Di! I grew up just up the road in Duddingston. I love all pets but have always owned and trained dogs. I was lucky enough to compete at Crufts four times and twice I was a member of the Scottish Agility team for the WAO (Worlds Agility Organisation). I also love caring for children and have been a nanny for 30 years. I’m enjoying learning new skills at Leith Vets.

    At home I have two dogs of my own- a border collie called Tanna and a cockerspaniel called Kai. I look forward to meeting you all!

  • Hope Meldrum

    Veterinary Care Assistant

    Hi, I’m Hope and I am excited to be joining the team at Leith vets as a veterinary care assistant. I first started at Leith vets as a student while I was studying at the Scottish rural agricultural college (SRUC). I adore all animals, big and small.  I have a wee rabbit called Winnie who I love to bits and have been brought up with animals my whole life. I love cooking when I get the time as well as exploring nature. I also love working out at the gym. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you and your furry friends soon!

After Hours Assistance

After Hours Assistance

In an emergency

If you think your pet needs to see a veterinarian immediately, call ICR Vets in Loanhead on 0131 440 4229. Select Option 1 for emergencies.