Edinburgh property pair plan shake-up

TWO Edinburgh property professionals have joined forces in a bid to shake up Scotland’s commercial real estate market.

Ian McDonald and Iain ­Mercer have also taken up a shop frontage on Home Street in the Tollcross area of the ­capital to display their line-up of properties, replicating ­residential estate agencies and property shops.

Another key part of the venture will be the use of digital media for the marketing and promotion of properties.

IME was founded in 1989 by McDonald, though the brand has gone through various incarnations. It will now focus solely on commercial property, with former Almondvale Group boss Mercer taking the role of managing director.

He said: “The recession has changed the way people not only think about property but who they use to market it for them. With the market finally looking like it’s starting to turn a corner, we believe there is a niche to be filled where businesses can receive a proactive property service.”

The other full-time directors in IME are McDonald’s son, John, and Chris Duff.