From animal welfare to childcare
By Linda Clark, outgoing BVS Facility Manager
I always wanted to work with animals – being a vet was my first choice, however I did not have the qualifications that would allow me to study for this.
I was at an athletics meeting with the Penicuik Harriers when I got talking to a couple of friends who were two years above me at school and they told me that there were jobs going where they worked at the University of Edinburgh.
I started at the Centre for Laboratory Animals on 28 May 1979 as a Junior Animal Technician, going to college on day release to gain qualifications for entry to specific animal technician courses.
Unfortunately, in 1985 the Centre closed down and with redundancy notices issued, I was fortunate enough to be transferred to the Medical School at Teviot Place in the Department of Bacteriology (which then changed its name to Medical Microbiology). I worked there for 17 years, gaining my ‘B’ list qualification which automatically gave me a UOE3 grading. I continued my studies and eventually was graded a UOE5.
In the early 2000s, Medical Microbiology closed and I was transferred to the Biomedical Research Facility at the Western General Hospital, where I was promoted to a UOE6 Deputy Facility Manager role, and then in 2018, I applied for, and was successful in getting, the Facility Manager position.
During my 45.5 years the changes in animal welfare, which supports world-leading research at the University, have been incredible.
Animal technicians have a caring attitude, comply with Home Office legislation, promote refinement, replacement and reduction, engage in learning and development, are compassionate, compliant and committed to putting animal welfare first.
Linda and Modern Apprentice Michael Mullin
One of the highlights of my career was winning the Contribution to Learning & Teaching Award in 2023. I manage the Modern Apprentices at Bioresearch & Veterinary Services, which I am passionate about – I think this an excellent way of gaining trained, knowledgeable and skilled people into the workplace.
A sad moment was when we lost one of our colleagues to cancer. This was a difficult time for all of us, as we are a very close-knit team and although we are committed to the animals we also look after each other.
I have recently become a granny for the first time and have a beautiful granddaughter, so when I retire, I am going to be looking after her a couple of days a week, which I am so looking forward to. I also have lots do to around the house, so I will be kept busy – maybe a wee holiday wouldn’t go amiss!
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