Roger was born in Todmorden, West Yorkshire in 1950. He trained to be a Vet at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh. Roger set up his own single-handed practice in Dalbeattie forty years ago. He then formed The Bard Veterinary Group in Dumfries with two colleagues nine years later.
He lives with his wife Judy (all four children having flown the nest), two rescue dogs from Crete and an African Grey parrot called George who was also rescued thirty-five years ago.
Now that Roger is fully retired, he can spend more time pursuing his passion for photography. This includes wildlife, landscape and portraiture all in still and video formats.
He has visited Peru, Alaska and Africa to raise funds for various charities such as Action Aid, Vet Aid and Sense.
In 2014 he conceived an ambitious project called 1000 Faces of Scotland, which is still ongoing.
Back problems significantly limit most of Roger’s much-loved sporting activities, but he has developed a love for daily yoga practice and, more recently, open water swimming.
You can find Roger here:
Tell us 4 important facts about yourself:
- I am very hard of hearing and rely on my hearing aids for any sort of meaningful communication. Apart from smiling and nodding that is.
- I am a Yorkshire man (just).
- I have lived in Scotland for over 40 years
- I have had serious back problems since my late 30s
What is your favourite age that you’ve been so far in life, and why?
Probably my mid 20s when I was still at Vet School in Edinburgh, met my wife Judy and played cricket, football and basketball.
Who is your favourite fictional character or famous person over 60?
David Attenborough
You are alone in your house (no pets). You have three minutes to get out before the house collapses and burns to the ground. What one possession would you grab and take with you?
My camera and 70-200mm lens
What’s your favourite creative pastime?
Photography
Tell us something about yourself that’s surprising or unexpected.
In November 1985, I met up with Ian Botham in Moffat on his famous John O Groats to Lands’ End Charity Walk. My walk from Dalbeattie to Moffat was very tough going on hard ground. I handed over nearly £1000.