On the move: Latest appointments and promotions

Scottish law firm BTO solicitors has announced further expansion with the appointment of Alasdair Gillies and Laura Salmond as partners in its Glasgow office.

BTO chairman Alan Borthwick, centre, with new partners Alasdair Gillies and Laura Salmond

Joining from Levy & McRae, Gillies and Salmond both bringing a wealth of valuable experience across a number of sectors. Gillies, who has 14 years’ experience in both criminal and civil law, has become BTO’s third criminal solicitor advocate and its 15th solicitor advocate, giving the firm one of the largest advocacy teams in Scotland.

Sticking with the legal profession and Harper Macleod has continued its strategy of developing its own talent by announcing the promotion of two new associates. Donna Cooper, who is based in the firm’s Edinburgh office, has been promoted to associate in energy & natural resources team, while Glasgow-based Colette Miller makes the same step up within the public sector team. Chairman Lorne Crerar said: “As the firm continues to grow significantly, we place huge importance on maintaining our culture as a business of opportunity for young lawyers and our reputation as an employer of choice.”

A third law firm, Shepherd and Wedderburn, has unveiled its own promotions. Katie Russell and Caroline Shand become partners, further strengthening the firm’s position in employment and in the real estate and infrastructure sector. Reflecting the firm’s continuous growth, the promotions take the number of partners to 80.

Strutt & Parker, the land and property specialist with four offices in Scotland, has announced two promotions – Kevin Maley and Andrew Aitchison – to national partner. Andy Martin, senior partner at Strutt & Parker, said: “I’d like to thank Kevin and Andrew for their hard work and dedication and am confident that they will play an essential part in our continued plans for growth.”

Tilhill Forestry has further strengthened its board with the appointment of two new directors. Tim Liddon becomes forestry director and Jason Sinden investment & property director. They are said to bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge both from within Tilhill Forestry and the forest industry in general.

Accountancy practice Thomson Cooper has made a key appointment to its senior team, as part of its growth strategy across Scotland. Mark Gibson from the Dunfermline office has been promoted to the position of associate to support in the growth of the firm’s agricultural portfolio. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2008 then subsequently joined the firm in 2009.

Over at Johnston Carmichael, there are four key appointments to the senior team. In the tax team, Alex Docherty from the firm’s Edinburgh office and John McAuslin based in Glasgow have been promoted to the position of partner, while Aberdeen-based Stephen McIlwaine and Paul Cochrane from Glasgow take on the position of director – in the audit and tax departments respectively.

Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers has bolstered its new Scottish Borders office with the appointment of three brokers – Derek Nicol, Shani Barclay and Robert Campbell. The Galashiels office was opened earlier this year.