
About Cùmath Pet Surgeons
Cùmath Pet Surgeons is an independent small animal referral practice in Aberdeenshire. Cùmath's founders, Scott Rigg and Michelle Murphy, have many years of experience in the Scottish veterinary community, including previously managing an award-winning referral practice. Cùmath Pet Surgeons was launched in early 2024 and is rapidly expanding. We're primarily a surgical referral centre, providing a comprehensive orthopaedic service including lameness investigation, arthroscopy, corrective osteotomies, fracture repair and arthrodesis. We perform spinal decompressive surgeries and vertebral stabilisations for intervertebral disc disease and other causes of spinal compression. We also perform a wide variety of soft tissue surgeries and offer a medicine service to support our referring practices. .
We aim to provide procedures at fixed prices and to offer a complications warranty to ensure that the price quoted to a client is the price paid.


We aim to be the best referral practice that we can be
The Vacancy
We are looking for a full-time Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our day team.
One of the team is planning maternity leave which will be covered by this post but we’re offering a permanent position because we’re fortunate to be an expanding practice! If applicants would prefer temporary posts, we’re happy to consider that too.
This position is ideal for nurses who have an interest in pre, peri and post-surgical patient care alongside exceptional client care. Additional training for our varied surgical caseload will be provided where required.
This role presents an excellent opportunity to expand your skills and grow within a dynamic and supportive team. You will be involved in a variety of essential duties including analgesia, fluid therapy, surgical assistance, diagnostic imaging, wound care, and laboratory procedures. In addition, you'll play a key role in maintaining surgical equipment and supporting the care of our medicine cases. This position offers hands-on experience across a broad clinical spectrum, making it ideal for those looking to deepen their knowledge, take on new challenges, and develop a well-rounded career in referral veterinary medicine.
Our day RVNs participate in a weekend on-call rota (presently 1 in 8). The RVN is on-site 8am to 12 noon on the Saturday, then on-call and attending the practice as required.
If you are interested in joining our team, please get in touch with us by emailing Jill@cumath.vet or contacting Jillian McHugh (Head Veterinary Nurse) or Michelle Murphy (Practice Manager) on 01358 293101. If you would like to visit us to see our facilities, meet the team and find out more about the role you would be more than welcome.

Salary and Benefits
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Salary Range: £29,800 to £34,300
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On call payment for participation in weekend rota plus hourly rate or TOIL for call back
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Pension enrolment
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6 weeks' holidays, increasing with years of service
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Birthday leave
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RCVS and VDS memberships funded
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Cost-price treatment for your own pets (fair use policy applies)
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Relocation expenses may be available for the successful candidate
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Opportunity for additional paid / TOIL overtime work, including occasional night shifts, on a voluntary basis
Our clinic strives to constantly offer the best care possible, and ongoing CPD along with studies for further qualifications will be encouraged and supported.

Facilities and Features
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Single site practice in Ellon, Aberdeenshire
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Easy access for anyone living outside of Ellon
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Free parking at practice
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Mental Health First Aider
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Ascend Practice Management Software with Vetcheck allowing us to be paper-free with consent forms, GA sheets, hospital sheets and more!
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Idexx In-House laboratory
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On-site CT scanner
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In-house 3D printing
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Arthroscope
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Ultrasound
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Endoscopy
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Separate dog and cat wards
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Air-conditioned kennels
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Underfloor heating throughout
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Dog shower
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Brewdog headquarters and pub across the road!


Why are we called Cùmath?
Cùmath is the name of a German Short Haired Pointer, which vet Scott owned. The name Cùmath is derived from Gaelic, meaning good dog. Cùmath the dog was an excellent companion to Scott during the early years of his career and the intention is for Cùmath Pet Surgeons to allow owners to have as much good quality time with their own “good dogs” (and cats!) as possible.
Cùmath Quality of Life
Our ideal working pattern is a 40-hour week across 4 days, with the current nursing team working between 8am and 8pm—though this may be subject to change in the future based on service needs. We strongly value work-life balance and are open to flexible working arrangements, job sharing, and a wide variety of working requests to help ensure the role suits your lifestyle and commitments.
We are proud of the supportive and positive environment we continue to create and try as a team to organise social events regularly. One of our recent practice team events have been visits to Aberdeen Beach for the perfect combination of Sauna and wild swimming!

Client Feedback
"My dog, Juke, went in for a cruciate ligament operation and all at Cùmath were both professional and went above and beyond, during the op and all the aftercare involved. I cannot recommend them highly enough." – C Hall
"Great people you meet in Cumath Pet Surgeons. There are absolutely brilliant surgeons and the nurses who look after your pet are so kind and you can tell they all love animals kind bless all the way xx” - C Stephen
“Incredible communication, thorough investigation, kind and extremely caring staff, I left my wee pup here knowing not only was she in the best hands but she was going to get so much gently care and love too. The night nurse gave reassuring updates throughout her time there along with pictures and videos. Has made what has been an incredibly stressful situation go as smoothly as possible.” – S Fordyce
"We cannot recommend Scott and his team highly enough. Our wee Iona required an operation last week, and she was in safe hands all the way through. Everything was fully explained before, during and after. All done in a friendly and professional manner. Thanks again." - M Mundie

About the Area
We're based in Ellon, a town in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, approximately 16 miles north of Aberdeen, lying on the River Ythan, which has one of the few undeveloped river estuaries on the eastern coast of Scotland.
There's so much to see and do with the beautiful coasts and further inland our amazing scenic mountain ranges.
Ellon has a great community feel with lots of local amenities.
Aberdeen International Airport is just over 20 miles away with Aberdeen Train station 16 miles away so you have all the benefits of living and working in rural Aberdeenshire with easy access to different destinations.
Examples of what you can see and do in and around Ellon:
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BrewDog Brewery: Take a tour of the brewery, learn about the craft beer-making process, and sample some of their delicious brews.
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Tolquhon Castle: Explore the ruins of this 16th-century castle, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
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Ellon Castle Gardens: Stroll through these beautiful gardens, which feature a variety of plants and flowers.
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Haddo House and Country Park: Visit this historic house and explore its beautiful gardens and parkland.
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Newburgh Beach: Relax on the sandy beach, enjoy a picnic, or go for a swim in the North Sea.
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Ythan Estuary Nature Reserve: See a variety of wildlife, including birds, seals, and dolphins, at this important nature reserve.
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Aden Country Park: Hike or bike through the park's trails, visit the children's play area, or have a picnic.
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Tolquhon Gallery: This renowned gallery showcases contemporary Scottish and British art, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. It's a great place to explore local and national artistic talent.
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Community Events: Ellon hosts various community events throughout the year, including fairs, festivals, and cultural celebrations. These events often feature local artists, musicians, and performers.
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Local Crafts and Artisans: You can find unique crafts and artisanal products from local artisans in shops around Ellon.
