THE largest animal hospital in Britain, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, saw its topping-out ceremony yesterday.

It will contain the most modern techniques for treating small animals as well as training vets.

David Grant, from BBC's Animal Hospital, and Professor Sir Stewart Sutherland, Edinburgh University Principal, performed the ceremony for the Dick Vet's new Hospital for Small Animals at Roslin. The Dick Vet is the university's faculty of veterinary medicine and provides treatment of all kinds. Vets refer cases from throughout the UK.

The facilities at the present Dick Vet are unable to meet demand. A campaign to fund the new hospital has raised more than #4.4m towards the #5.7m target. Professor Hugh Miller, dean of the faculty, said he was confident they could reach the target by October when the hospital is due to be completed.