The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, commonly referred to as the Dick Vet, is the veterinary school of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Professor Elaine Watson has been head of the school since 1 August, 2003 . Established by William Dick, a former student of the anatomist John Barclay of the College of Surgeons, the first regular classes at the school were begun in November 1823, although free lectures to small groups of students had been provided prior to this date. The first session of regular classes was financed by student fees and a grant from the Highland Society, of which John Barclay was a director. Mary Dick, William's elder sister, was instrumental in the early administration of the school. Although an autonomous institution, the students also attended the lectures in (human) medicine at the university. Also a successful businessman, William Dick in 1833 paid for the erection of improved accommodation on the site of his forge in Clyde Street. This was the base for the school until it moved to its present site at Summerhall in 1916. In 1839, his school officially became a college and William Dick a professor.