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. She has a special interest in feline medicine and is currently enrolled in a dentistry certificate. When she’s not working, she’s busy looking after their two small children and three dogs.

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.

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.

Veterinarian

Hi, I’m Lauren! I have spent my career working across Central Scotland, starting out in a small animal and exotics practice where I first worked with Richard. I then moved to the University of Edinburgh where I worked as an anaesthetist for a little over a year. I have returned to general practice, and I have a keen interest in surgery and critical care. I am enjoying meeting all of the pets and clients of Leith.

When not at work I can usually be found either with my lovely Labrador Harris or playing tag rugby in all weather!

Head Registered Veterinary 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.

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Hi, I’m Cameron and I’m very excited to have joined the team here at Leith Vets! I started out working as an animal care assistant at the Royal Dick Veterinary Hospital for Small Animals back in 2016. I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2019 and have spent my time working in a variety of different practices since!

I enjoy all aspects of my job, but I have a keen interest in dentistry, performing minor surgical procedures and emergency and critical care. However, working with exotics and assisting with anaesthesia are two areas I am arguable most passionate about!

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and baking, socialising with my friends and family and having late night snuggles with my cat Joey. I look forward to meeting you all!!

Registered Veterinary Nurse

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!!

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!

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.

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.

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!

Client Care Assistant & Administrator

Hi! I’m Niamh and I’m originally from Belfast but I lived in London for 13 years before moving up to Edinburgh in 2022. I’ve worked in the veterinary sector for 5 years and I love seeing the sweet faces of each of our patients every day. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me on a run, chasing my cat Bean around my flat, playing guitar and bodhran or crocheting something on the sofa. I’m looking forward to making lots of floofy friends at Leith Vets!