Acquisition sees law firm move into Moray

ONE of the Moray's oldest legal practices, Wink & Mackenzie, has been acquired by leading Scottish law firm Harper Macleod.

Partners Ian Davidson and Lauren Wright will be joined by Wink & Mackenzie's 15-strong staff in becoming part of Harper Macleod from September 2, adding to the firm's offices in Inverness, Thurso, Lerwick, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Harper Macleod was recently appointed to the panel of law firms from which Moray Council will seek external legal advice.

Wink & Mackenzie has been established for more than 100 years. For the past 15 years it has been based at the iconic Old Station building in Elgin.

The firm will retain its Elgin premises and will initially operate in Moray as Harper Macleod incorporating Wink & Mackenzie.

Harper Macleod chairman Professor Lorne Crerar CBE said: "This is a hugely exciting opportunity both for Harper Macleod and the team at Wink & Mackenzie, which is one of the leading firms in Moray. We have worked closely together for a number of years and joining forces was a natural step to take for both parties.

"There is already a great alignment in what we do. I believe the move will benefit our joint client base, as well as anyone looking to access advice of the highest quality and value on their doorstep in Elgin and throughout Moray."

Ian Davidson, of Wink & Mackenzie, said: "Our firms have had a strong working relationship for some time and we already know that we're a good match in terms of our ethos and the way we do business. It's also important to us and to our clients that we remain in the same location with the same ethos."

Martin Darroch, chief executive of Harper Macleod, said: "Moray is home to some of Scotland's leading businesses and has a thriving economy, particularly in areas such as food and drink, manufacturing, tourism and, of course, energy and natural resources. There are fantastic opportunities and Harper Macleod has the specialist knowledge and depth of resource to help businesses and organisations here make the most of those, as well as advising local individuals and families on all their legal needs.

"I am confident that the Moray economy is going to grow and grow, and we are excited about being a part of that."

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