Inverness law firm Macleod and MacCallum (M&M) has boosted its team after taking over a rival practice in the Highland capital.
Its acquisition of MacNeill and Critchley (M&C), whose reputation was built on residential and commercial property expertise and private client business such as wills and executries, became effective on June 1.
M&C’s eight employees have relocated from premises in Ardross Street to M&M’s offices at 28 Queensgate, with partners Alastair Robb and Neil Speight joining the new owner as consultants.
Financial details of the deal, which takes M&M’s total headcount to 65, including nine directors, were undisclosed.
M&M, which describes itself as the largest Highland-based legal practice, has also restructured its management team “in order to continue the growth of the business”.
Morag MacIntosh, who joined the practice 28 years ago, has become its first woman chairman.
Alison Martin and Peter Mason, with M&M since 1989 and 1995 respectively, are now in the newly created roles of joint managing directors.
M&M has served clients across the Highlands and islands for more than 50 years, having been founded in 1964.
It was crowned family law practice of the year at a prestigious industry event, the Law Awards of Scotland, in Glasgow last September.
The firm said its swoop for M&C would give clients of the newly incorporated business access to a broader range of services, including its expertise in family law and divorce as well as personal injury, employment, renewable-energy, charities, licensing and independent financial advice.
Ms MacIntosh added: “Alastair and Neil are both very well-known and well-respected lawyers who will be a perfect fit with our established client base.
“This cements our position as the largest Highland-based law firm and we are delighted to be able to provide a full range of legal services from our Queensgate offices”
In a statement, Mr Robb and Mr Speight said: “We are delighted to join Macleod and MacCallum and to be able to offer our valued clients a broader range of services, with the support of a wider team of excellent lawyers.”
M&M’s previous chairman, Graham Watson, retired in March.