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Arctic walrus spotted in North Sutherland
Arctic walruses are normally found near the Arctic circle and are extremely sociable.

Marine animal not seen in Scotland since 1954

An Arctic walrus that was spotted off the coast of Orkney earlier this month has been seen again in North Sutherland.

The walrus, affectionately named Wally, was re-sighted at Armadale on Thursday (22 March). Earlier this month, he was filmed laying on the beach on the north coast of Caithness.

Caithness Sea Watching, which revealed the news on its Facebook page, thanked Bill Mosely for sharing his video and Katrina Geddes for alerting them to the sighting.

'It’s a fabulous sighting and I am sure many people will be quite envious,' they wrote.

According to Caithness Sea Watching, the last Walrus reported in mainland Scotland is said to have been in Aberdeen in 1954.

The marine animals are normally found near the Arctic circle and are extremely sociable. They are distinguished by their long white tusks, whiskers and blubber-filled bodies. 

A video of the walrus swimming through the water off the coast of Armadale can be found at https://www.facebook.com/bill.moseley1/videos/10213992452943687/?rc=p

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.