Julian Norton, the affable face of Channel 5’s “The Yorkshire Vet,” trades dales for dramatic Highland landscapes in this season finale special. Returning to the Thurso veterinary practice where his career began, Norton isn’t exactly greeted with a tartan-clad welcoming committee and a dram of the finest single malt. Instead, it’s a swift immersion back into the often-gritty realities of veterinary medicine in remote Scotland. Think complicated lambings, bovine prolapses—the kind of stuff that rarely makes it onto tourism brochures.
While the picturesque Scottish Highlands certainly provide a visually striking backdrop, the episode’s focus remains firmly on the demanding work at hand. A veterinary student shadowing Norton gets a crash course in treating a poorly calf, a learning experience as likely to test the student’s resilience as it is their medical knowledge.
Meanwhile, back in Yorkshire, the less travel-inclined Peter Wright attends to a more domestic case, Jean Green’s ailing cat. It’s a gentle reminder that veterinary challenges aren’t exclusive to the rugged north. Even in the familiar dales, there are always furry patients in need of Wright’s care.
This special installment cleverly juxtaposes the distinct veterinary landscapes of the Highlands and Yorkshire. Norton’s reunion with his former mentor adds a touch of sentimentality, but it’s the raw, often unglamorous nature of the work that truly resonates.
The episode underscores the dedication and resilience required of vets, especially in remote regions where resources and access to specialists can be limited. And, of course, no trip to Scotland would be complete without the weather playing a starring role
“The Yorkshire Vet: Herriot Land to the Highlands” airs Tuesday, November 26, 2024 on Channel 5.
