David grew up in Yorkshire, then came north of the Border to study at the Dick Vet in Edinburgh, qualifying in 1987. With thirty years as a practising vet David has a wealth of experience but is always keen to try new things, and is constantly on the look out for the latest innovations and the newest technology in the veterinary world so that we can pass them on to our customers!
Married to Sally, they have three grown up children and a multitude of animals including horses, sheep, chickens and dogs – David blames this motley collection on Sally’s inability to turn down a pair of pleading eyes, immaterial of whether their owner has paws, claws or hooves.
Having worked in the veterinary industry since leaving university, Niki now brings that experience to the day to day running of Merlin Vet. Responsible for looking after all our clients, Niki carries out purchasing and pricing to make sure that everyone gets the best quality product at the best possible price. Niki’s speciality is sourcing niche and obscure product – the more bizarre the better; she loves a challenge!
Niki spends as much time as she can in the saddle with her horse Jeffrey, and also goes running with dogs Boris and Alfie. When she has a spare minute she manages to fit in the occasional meal or trip out with husband Alistair and children Charlotte and James. Alistair has threatened to move into the stables to see if he too will then be treated to the same regime as the equine family of cuddles, cleaning and regular meals…
Robert Anderson, long term farm vet in Kelso, now a Director and Chairman of MerlinVet since 2018. I look after the Lane Manufacturing bull equipment sales and run bull and ram fertility courses, as well as checking out novel equipment and medicine solutions for farm animals.
Outside work, I’m happy to be outdoors with our dogs, or on bikes, canoes or skis.
Fiona has worked for Merlin Vet for many years becoming full time as our business expanded in 2016. Fiona has the important job of managing our ever expanding range of stock, and overseeing client orders.
At home, Fiona has managed to persuade her son to leave, but has quickly filled the gap with Norfolk Terrier Tilly, six ferrets (including mum Pip, and her babies The Pipettes) and two Harris Hawks. Oh yes, and husband Ian. When not looking after the animals, Fiona enjoys taking Tillly for long walks, and drinking cocktails with Ian… but not at the same time.
Clare joined MerlinVet as UK Sales Representative in 2017, having previously worked in veterinary sales for 7 Years. Her schedule is divided between advising clients in person and working in the MerlinVet office.
In addition, Clare runs her own scanning business and helps out on the family farm – all while keeping two small children amused. In her rare windows of free time, she can be found out on the hills training her collies and spaniels.
Helen joined the team in 2019 as a Veterinary Consultant and Responsible Person. She graduated from the Dick Vet and since then has worked within the veterinary industry in a variety of clinical positions. She now offers veterinary support and advice to our clients while overseeing the regulatory side of our wholesale licence.
She is married to a vet and has two children, plus cats, chickens, guinea pigs and a new puppy.
Bec started with Merlin in 2014, when sister Niki offered an opportunity to return to work after taking time out to have babies (who are now obviously quite big). Initially doing a bit of everything, from answering phones to packing orders, as the company has expanded Bec now primarily deals with UK orders and importing stock. Away from the office, she loves cooking and is also a keen trail runner who is always trying to recruit colleagues to run up big hills for fun!
Pam joined our team in April 19 as our administrative assistant who is now Customer Support and Administration, she primarily deals with our UK customers placing orders and dealing with phone enquiries and emails, Pam is the “organised one in the office”.
At home Pam has a partner and two children plus a spoilt Jack Russell called Buddy who she loves taking out on long walks in the countryside.
Catherine joined Merlin in 2020 as part of our finance team.
Jill joined the team in 2023 as a Veterinary Consultant and Responsible Person. She spent most of her clinical career in equine practice and continues to maintain a clinical interest in Equine Sports Medicine. Jill now offers veterinary support to our customers while overseeing the regulatory side of our wholesale licence.
She is married to a farmer and has three boys who keep her busy, but in her spare time she can be found out running or riding.
Chris joined Merlin in 2022 as our Marketing Manager, leading on all marketing activities across the Merlin group. With a particular passion for content creation, Chris has a focus on email marketing, social media, website management and development, content writing, events, branding, and graphic design.
After studying French & Business at Newcastle University, Chris has worked in various marketing roles in both B2B and B2C environments (including for a government-funded organisation promoting innovation & sustainability and as a marketer for a brewery). Outside of work, you’ll mainly be able to find him either at Tynecastle, walking his Duck Tolling Retriever, or going to see live music.
Hello, my name is George Taylor and I joined Merlin in July 2022. I worked for Merlin shipping orders when it first began trading back in 2013, out of the old veterinary practice in Galashiels. During Covid, I did a similar role for several months. Now, I am happy to say I am part of a busy finance department and a proud founder of Bake-Off Thursdays. Myla, aged 2, is my pet and office dog who regularly makes a mess of our office floor with endless fluff from her toys.
Julia joined MerlinVet in September 2024 as HR and Relationship Manager at MerlinVet HQ. She has worked in the Veterinary industry for a number of years in various roles; laterly in a HR role, before taking a career break at home to help with the family farm businesses.
Outside of work Julia enjoys horse riding on her homebred horse Bob, and spending time with her husband Gavin, and their two children Archie and Rory.
Katie’s position at Merlin includes assisting our Compliance Team and the wider office team, As well as supporting our Accounts team.
Away from the office, I love to bake and spend all of my spare time with my five dogs in the Scottish countryside and exploring the wonderful local cafes.
Marylise joined MerlinVet as our Equine Consultant in 2024.
Marylise is passionate about horses and has ridden her entire life – she is a qualified riding instructor and has always worked in the equine industry. Almost twenty years ago, she moved into the sales side of the industry and has been involved in that ever since.
Outside of work, Marylise’s time is spent with her two Labrador Gundogs and indulging in her other passion, cooking.
Nigel joined MerlinVet in 2024 as our IT Specialist.
Dougal joined MerlinVet in April 2025 as our Product Development and Technical Support Manager.
Richard Taylor
Tailored Training
Richard joined MerlinVet in 2024.
Jane Hutcheon
Group Business Development Manager, MerlinVet-cel
Jane qualified as VN in 1997 from Berkshire college of Agriculture. She has worked in many different practices & hospitals, including charity & university. Jane has also run pet retail ventures and trained as a field guide in South Africa. The last 16 years have been spent working in commercial teams for Norbrook GB. Jane is delighted to be bringing all her experience to Merlin and looks forward to supporting clients old and new.
When not working Jane enjoys time with friends and family with her two labradors. This time is enjoyed mostly outdoors and preferably in a river fishing!
Ciaran Hogg
Warehouse Lead
Ciaran joined the MerlinVet warehouse team in December 2020.
Michael Hyslop
Warehouse Team
Michael joined the MerlinVet warehouse team in July 2018.
Callum Short
Warehouse Team
Callum joined the MerlinVet Warehouse Team in 2024.
Alfie
Office Mascot
At three, Alfie should be a mature and sensible dog but he’s discovered that pretending to be a puppy gets him more attention! His roles include receiving stock (or should we say licking the delivery drivers and then climbing into their vans), shredding waste packaging materials, and thinking (with his eyes shut, emitting the occasional snore).
Alfie is very supportive of any office diets and helps us stay trim by stealing lunch out of any bags that anyone is silly enough to leave below desk height!