AN AMERICAN vet has swapped his glamorous life in Hollywood for a starring role in the Borders.

Nick Moura, who was born and brought up in the Golden State, says he was never interested in following in the footsteps of the likes of Tom Hanks and Robert De Niro, despite his dad being a TV editor on America’s Funniest Home Videos (the USA’s version of You’ve Been Framed).

Instead he has always dreamed of working with animals. 
And now that dream has become a reality after securing a job with the Border Vets, which has branches in Galashiels, Selkirk and Innerleithen.

Five years ago, the 28-year-old took the plunge and travelled from Los Angeles to Glasgow, where he studied at the city’s University Vet School.

And he says he has never looked back.

Nick told us: “It has been a huge culture shock for me because the contrast between living in Los Angeles and the Borders couldn’t be more different.

“The people are very different and are much more down to earth and pragmatic over here. They are great people in Los Angeles, but are much more flash and focused on their looks,” he added.

“People here are much more about their community, and at Border Vets, we are able to develop a bond with our clients so we provide continuity of care.

“Despite the huge contrast in lifestyle, I’ve settled in well and I love living here.”

Before coming to Scotland to do veterinary medicine, Nick studied for a Bachelor of Music and played classical trombone at the University of Southern California.

But he says his priority was always to work with animals: “We have a big band culture in high school in the US. I always wanted to be a vet, so came to Glasgow University when I was 23 and think the UK is amazing.”

10 films animal-lover Nick could have starred in:

Kitty Kitty Bang Bang
Truly Madly Sheeply
Goatbusters
Saving Private Lion
Ben Fur
Meet the Flockers
The Hound of Music
Lizard of Oz
Santa Claws
Cat-ablanca