Niall graduated from Glasgow in 1982, working for 2 years in mixed, mainly small animal practice in Fife. He then spent 25 years with PDSA in London and Glasgow and became Senior Veterinary Surgeon at East Glasgow Pet Aid hospital. He obtained his Certificate in Small Animal Orthopaedics. He had to stop clinical practice, suffering from Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Niall does contract work for Glasgow Vet School, mainly assessing practical exams and online portfolios. Niall was elected onto RCVS Council in 2013 and was President 2019-20. From July 2021 he is RCVS Treasurer