Dr Daria McLennan 
​BVMS MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

​I achieved my dream of becoming a vet when I graduated from Glasgow Vet School in 1998. After working in England and Australia for several years I came back home to Scotland in 2005. I enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine, especially surgery and, having developed an interest in Cardiology in recent years, am really enjoying using our brand new Ultrasound machine. I love being part of a small team and really getting to know my patients and clients. Outside of work I spend most of my spare time out walking with my two young Border Collies Meadow and Cedar (pictured) and sometimes even swimming with them (when the weather is warm enough!). When my pup is fully grown I plan to get back into running and hopefully raising a bit more money for some animal charities.

Dr Frances McLauchlan 
​BVMS CertAVP PGCertVPS MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

I graduated from Glasgow Vet School in 2004. Being from Glasgow, I’ve stayed close to my roots while building my career in small animal practice. I worked as a small animal vet within a busy mixed practice before joining the lovely team at Avalon in July 2025. Since then, I’ve enjoyed developing long-standing relationships with clients and their pets, and being part of a supportive and dedicated team. I’m happy to see a wide range of species and enjoy applying my experience to each individual case. I’m committed to delivering compassionate, practical care tailored to both pets and their owners. 

In 2019, I was awarded a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice, further enhancing my clinical knowledge and allowing me to provide an even higher standard of care to my patients.

Outside of work, I share my home with Bella, a rescue terrier crossbreed. She’s very smart and sweet, and she loves long walks and playing with her toys.

Dr Lily Spence 
​BVSc MRCVS

​Veterinary Surgeon

I graduated from Liverpool Vet School in 2024, having grown up in the area.  I then completed a year in mixed practice in Northern Ireland, before moving to Glasgow to be closer to my sister, who also lives here.

I enjoy many aspects of veterinary medicine, but surgery is my primary interest.  I am keen to pursue further training in surgery and emergency medicine to continue developing my skills in these areas.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time outdoors - walking, camping, swimming and paddleboarding - often accompanied by my rescue pup, Donny.

Chloe Smith

Registered Veterinary Nurse

I began my career in 2015 as a veterinary receptionist and quickly realised the veterinary world was where I wanted to be.   I went on to complete an auxiliary nursing course, followed by my training at Myerscough College to qualify as a Registered Veterinary Nurse.  I gained valuable experience working at a referral hospital before taking some time out to have a baby. 

At home, I have a much-loved rescue lurcher named Candy, and I enjoy spending my free time outdoors.

Chloe Carline

Registered Veterinary Nurse

I started at Avalon in 2014 as a work experience student, volunteering every Saturday morning whilst at high school.  Since then I have studied several animal care courses and qualified as a veterinary care assistant in 2020.  After qualifying I have worked at Avalon Veterinary Clinic and at an animal hospital.  I qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in May 2026.  I have also completed additional training in the areas of behaviour and pet nutrition.
   
At home I have two cats called Kit Kat (my hand rear kitten) and Oreo.  I also have a leopard gecko named Tango.

Madison Bowcott

Registered Veterinary Nurse 

I completed my Diploma on Veterinary Nursing at the Eastern Institute of Technology in New Zealand, graduating in 2024.  I worked at a mixed animal practice alongside my studies.  I moved back to Scotland in August 2025 and started working at Avalon Veterinary Clinic as a Veterinary Nurse Auxiliary.  I sat my pre-registration exams to join the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RVCS) as a Registered Veterinary Nurse, registering in September 2026.

Outside of work, I have a Cocker Spaniel cross called Obi-Wan who keeps me busy.

Eva Tait

Student Veterinary Nurse

I started at Avalon in 2016 as a work experience student.  Following this, I graduated from the University of Glasgow with a degree in Veterinary Biosciences, in June 2023.  I have always loved my time at Avalon so accepted a permanent position as an Animal Care Assistant in August 2023.  I started veterinary nurse training in September 2024.  
In my spare time I enjoy taking my Collie and Retriever pups out on long walks, paddleboarding and open water swimming.

Emma Burns

​Animal Care Assistant

​In 2016, I began work experience at Avalon Veterinary Clinic on Wednesday evenings. Following this I completed my degree in Veterinary Biosciences at the University of Glasgow in 2023. In May of 2025 I joined the team as a full time Animal Care Assistant. I have a passion for rabbits and all other small animals. I currently have 4 rabbits at home, 3 lionheads and a mini-lop that keep me very busy. When I am not spending time with them I enjoy baking and travelling up and down the country.

Anna Pate 

Practice Manager and Owner

I have worked at Avalon Veterinary Clinic since 2006, firstly as a vet and more recently as practice manager, becoming director in 2021.  I am passionate about practice management and strive to continually improve the service that we provide.  I love working with the team here at Avalon, we really do have a fantastic group of people looking after your pets. 
I am also proud to be both an adviser for recently graduated vets and a clinical supervisor for student veterinary nurses.  
I have two children at home to keep me busy and a beautiful Golden Retriever called Lily.
In my spare time I enjoy walking, cooking and curling up with a good book and a cup of tea.

Judy Button

Receptionist

Hi I'm Judy, I was born in the Netherlands and moved to Scotland in 2008.
I have a BSc and MSc in Animal welfare, biology, husbandry and health.
I worked for a very busy, large rescue centre for 12 years before making the move to Avalon vets.
Animals are my passion having grown up with guinea pigs, rabbits, rats and hamsters. I currently have 2 rescue dogs, a Husky cross called Kaylee and a Belgian shepherd cross called Ripley. I also have 7 snakes ranging from an 8 foot Boa Constrictor to a tiny Mandarin rat snake and my latest addition to the family is a tarantula called Fluffy.
In my spare time I love drawing, crafting, and taking my dogs for long walks exploring Scotland.

Brenda Crossan

Receptionist

I started as a receptionist with Avalon in September 2026.  I have a BSc (Hons) Psychology, previously working within hospitals and retail.  My childhood was filled with pets- mice, budgies, canaries, guinea pigs, rabbits, cats & dogs!

I currently live with my three teenagers and adorable miniature labradoodle Darcie.

​We love our caravan in Glencoe taking long walks, enjoying the peace & and taking our boat out on loch Leven.  I am also an amateur artist and love nothing more than to while the hours away painting.