Blackadders elects new chairman as Sandy Meiklejohn steps down after 42 years’ service

Scott Williamson, a long-standing partner at Blackadders has been elected chairman as of 1 April, taking over the position from fellow partner Sandy Meiklejohn, who retired in March following 42 years of dedicated service.

Mr Williamson said: “I am very much looking forward to taking up my role at a time when the firm is embarking on an exciting new phase with the opening of our Glasgow office following the merger today with Boyle Shaughnessy.

“We are continuously working to expand and improve our service to clients and the addition of two new partners, Paul Devine and Colin McCulloch, will assist us in this. We are confident that existing Boyle Shaughnessy clients will continue to benefit from the specialist expertise and range of services provided by Blackadders.”

Mr Devine’s principal areas of work are commercial and residential property, advising individuals, family businesses and SMEs in all aspects of property law and providing clients with general business advice.

Mr McCulloch has been a solicitor in Glasgow for over 35 years. He deals with general private client work and property.

The merger with Boyle Shaughnessy sees Blackadders also welcoming senior solicitor Kirsty Dickson and associate solicitor Siobhan McGuigan to the Glasgow-based team.

Ms Dickson specialises in residential property although she also has considerable experience working in private practice. Ms McGuigan will work in the private client department helping clients with executries, wills, trusts and powers of attorney.

After three and a half years as operations director, Bob Murdach will become chief operating officer as of April 1. Mr Murdach is responsible for the infrastructure, IT and support services necessary to run a national firm.

Meanwhile, in a number of other appointments within the firm, Jack Boyle,Stewart Dunbar, Sienna Sproson and Sarah Winter have all been promoted from senior to associate solicitor.

Mr Boyle is a member of the employment law team advising both employers and employees on a wide range of employment issues. He joined the firm in 2008 as a trainee solicitor. Mr Dunbar joined Blackadders in 2010 as a trainee solicitor training in employment, corporate and the private client departments of the firm, he now works in the trust, tax & care unit.