Walker Miller B.V.M.S., D.B.R., M.R.C.V.S. - Oldest Partner

The oldest member of the team, I graduated from Glasgow Vet School in 1976 and started my career in Shropshire, six months later I moved to Stranraer where I have been ever since. I have witnessed the practice grow from three Vets and one support staff to eleven Vets and ten support staff. I completed a specialist qualification in bovine reproduction from Liverpool Vet School in 1980 following a two year modular course.

Together with my wife Yvonne we have been heavily involved in showing and breeding Boxer dogs for thirty years. During this time we have enjoyed a great deal of success and accolades such as top UK kennel, top breeder and numerous top dogs, including Crufts success most recently with top Boxer puppy in 2008.

I also enjoy playing golf and assisting my wife with looking after her two horses which she enjoys putting through their paces on the show jumping field.

Alan Cochrane B.V.M.S., M.R.C.V.S - Partner

I arrived at the practice from Glasgow Vet School in 1986 having most recently worked on the family dairy farm in Ayrshire.

Initially most of my working day was spent with large animals, but more recently I now concentrate in small animals and particularly enjoy orthopaedic surgery and exotic pet medicine. When not keeping my four children, wife Jo and dog Scruffy entertained I can be found relaxing in front of my aquaria where I have an entertaining collection of tropical marine fish. Aternatively I can (very occasionally) be found looking at their wild cousins whilst scuba diving on holiday.

Stephen Raphael B.V.M.S., M.R.C.V.S - Partner

Following a childhood spent on my parents Ayrshire dairy farm, I came to the practice straight from University in 1998 with the intention of working for a short time before travelling the world. Instead I met my wife Christine and have been here ever since!

I became a partner in 2003 and my professional interests mainly concern farm animals although I enjoy subjects varying from dairy cattle fertility to small animal cardiology and poultry medicine.

When my wife, two daughters, two dogs and cat are not keeping me out of mischief then I can be found round the back of my house looking after my few “coos”, and several ponies, on the adjoining small-holding.

Alisdair Gaw B.V.M.S., M.R.C.V.S - Partner

Having graduated from Glasgow University in 1999, I worked in Fife for a year before joining the team in Stranraer, bringing me back to my roots having been brought up on a local farm outside Portwilliam. My work is very mixed with the practice but I do have a special interest in Equine Medicine and Surgery and have enjoyed overseeing the growth of this area of the practice. I always keep a cool head, my finger on the pulse, and never get over-excited! (slight exaggeration!)

I live with my wife Gael, daughters Charlotte and Phoebe and our new arrival, son Noah. Although I work very hard I still manage to be a keen, and occasionally useful, player with Newton Stewart Rugby Club. Other than rugby I enjoy the odd alcoholic beverage and fast cars. I am also in the final stages of project managing the build of our new house and I’m looking forward to enjoying the end result!

Alistair McClelland B.V.M.S., M.R.C.V.S - Partner

I joined the practice following a spell working in central Scotland in 2003, this brought me back into familiar territory as my family have a hill sheep and beef farm in the local area. I enjoy doing a variety of work which includes all aspects of farm and companion animal duties but have a specific interest in sheep medicine. In my spare time I enjoy watching sport, socialising with friends and tending to the few animals that I keep at home including Hermione the saddleback pig. All accomplished with the help of my long- suffering wife Kirsty. We are currently waiting patiently for the arrival of our first child, so I anticipate my life may change quite significantly soon!