Raeburn Christie acquires Ellon firm Winchesters

2nd July 2018 | careers , practice management

Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace (RCCW) has announced the purchase of Ellon-based law practice Winchesters Solicitors.

Principal Douglas Winchester, who founded Winchesters in 1985, will join the Aberdeen-headquartered firm as a consultant, bringing with him secretary Donna Morrison and paralegal Lynn Mennie. All three will relocate to RCCW’s Ellon branch office, bringing its headcount to 16.

Winchesters specialises in residential conveyancing and private client matters, though carries out a variety of other legal work. Originally based in Aberdeen, the firm moved to Ellon after 10 years when it became a satellite branch of the Grant Smith Law Practice. This arrangement ended in 1999, when Mr Winchester formed a new partnership under the Winchesters banner with solicitor John Boyle. He has worked independently since 2015.

Mr Winchester stated: “As a full service law firm, RCCW is an ideal match for our business. The agreement will allow us to maintain continuity in delivering a top quality service to all our clients. In addition to the legal services we currently provide, my clients will now also be able to benefit from the advice of RCCW’s independent Financial Services team, as well as the wide range of services throughout their branch network in Aberdeen and the north east.”

RCCW claims to be the longest established practice in the Ellon area, tracing its origins to the firm of A J Raeburn & Co, founded in 1854. Through successive mergers it has always maintained its branch presence in Ellon, as well as offices in Aberdeen, Inverurie, Banchory and Stonehaven.

Managing partner Keith Allan commented: “We are delighted to secure Winchesters Solicitors. Our firm is proud of its long history in Ellon and this acquisition fits well with our long term growth strategy in the area. Douglas Winchester is a very experienced and highly respected solicitor. We are honoured that he has chosen to entrust his business to us and look forward to welcoming Doug, Donna and Lynn to our firm.”