Tribute paid to former RCVS Registrar who recently died aged 94

The RCVS has paid tribute to a former Registrar who served the College for 25 years and recently died aged 94 after a short illness.

Alastair Porter joined the RCVS as Registrar in the crucial year of 1966, when the current Veterinary Surgeons Act was passed, and served in the role until his retirement in 1991.

He was born in Glasgow in September 1928 and, after studying law at Oxford University, was called to the Bar in 1952.

Dr Sue Paterson FRCVS (pictured), RCVS President, said: “Despite leaving the RCVS over 30 years ago I know that Alastair still commanded a great deal of respect within the professions and the College, having overseen a quarter century of both change and continuity within the veterinary sector.

“Interestingly, his time at the College was bookended by two iterations of the Veterinary Surgeons Act – the original 1966 bill and then the significant 1991 amendment that formally recognised the role of veterinary nursing in law and introduced Schedule 3 and its exemptions.

“He was also one of the co-founders of the UK Inter-Professional Group (UKIPG) in 1977, an organisation that brought together professional bodies from a variety of sectors to discuss issues and best practice within the sphere.

“Furthermore, he was the inaugural Secretary General of the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe when it formed in 1975, having served in the same role during its predecessor organisation, the Veterinary Liaison Committee since 1973.

“Even after retirement Alastair continued to remain interested and involved with the veterinary professions, not least through his daughter Frances, a veterinary academic who latterly served as Academic Director of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association until her retirement.

“My condolences to Alastair’s family, friends and colleagues.”

A Remembrance Book has been opened for those to wish to leave memories or comments about him.