Merger adds to Harper Macleod's Inverness team

Legal firm Harper Macleod has added to its 27-strong Inverness office with the acquisition of local practice Allen & Shaw with effect from 3 October 2016.

Established in 1993, Allen & Shaw specialises in residential conveyancing and private client matters. Its two partners, David Allen and Donald Shaw, will join Harper Macleod as consultants, and they and three employees will move to Harper Macleod's Inverness office at Alder House in Cradlehall Business Park.

Glasgow-headquartered Harper Macleod last year moved into Shetland by acquiring Lerwick firm Dowle, Smith & Rutherford, and opened in Thurso three years ago.

Professor Lorne Crerar, chairman of Harper Macleod, commented: "We are extremely pleased to welcome our new colleagues and clients from Allen & Shaw to the firm. We know David and Donald very well, having worked closely with their firm over a number of years, and it is fantastic to bring them into the fold.

"Since we opened an Inverness office in 2004 we have consistently grown, and we have made significant investments over the past 12 months. This move supports our growth ambitions for both this office and the wider Highlands and Islands. We believe that bringing Allen & Shaw on board will provide benefits for both parties, and in turn will enhance the services we can provide to existing clients of both firms and future clients of Harper Macleod."

Mr Shaw, a former director of Inverness BID Ltd and Highland Solicitors Property Centre, among other positions, added: "We are delighted to combine our company with Harper Macleod to be able to offer a wider range of services and expertise to our loyal clientele. Through our knowledge of the firm and its reputation we believe that Harper Macleod is best able to provide this in the years ahead."