Academe honours top businessmen

Mike Rutterford, pictured right, property developer and co-founder of the Archangel Syndicate, became a doctor of business administration for "his contribution to business growth in Scotland".

Advocate and negotiation guru John Sturrock was presented with a doctor of laws degree for his "significant contributions to mediation and the training of the legal professions".

University principal Dame Joan Stringer said: "We are delighted to be honouring individuals who have made such significant contributions to building our economies and servicing our communities in so many ways."

It's been a busy week for accountancy firms, with a brace of top-level appointments.

Veronica Donnelly has joined the Paisley office of Campbell Dallas as a VAT specialist, with a view to expanding the firm's public-sector work.

Donnelly joins from Ernst & Young in Glasgow, where she was the VAT director for the public sector. She says: "I am looking forward to working with the rest of the team to get to know the firm's clients as well as expanding the client pool into the sector."

Also on the move is Cliff Fleming, who is becoming a partner at Condies.

Fleming joins from Baker Tilly, where he managed an "extensive portfolio of owner managed businesses".

Managing partner George Primrose says: "Condies has ambitious growth plans and Cliff's appointment will help us achieve our goals."

Alex Watt is taking early retirement from his role as managing director of property investments at Standard Life Investments.

Chief executive Keith Skeoch yesterday named David Paine as head of property investments. Skeoch said: "While we will be very sorry to see Alex go, I am delighted that we have been able to appoint David to head up our property business."