Craig Pike

Mr Pike joined the firm as a trainee solicitor in 2005, qualifying in 2007, and was promoted to partner in 2015.

The private client team advises individuals on the likes of wills, powers of attorney, guardianships, trusts and executries as well as inheritance tax and succession planning. It also covers rural and residential property matters.

The University of Aberdeen graduate is chairman of Aberdeen Performing Arts – the organisation overseeing His Majesty’s Theatre, the Music Hall, and The Lemon Tree. He is also clerk and assessor of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, continuing an unbroken line of lawyers from his firm, and its predecessors, going back to 1888.

Reflecting his interest in the wellbeing of older people in the community, Mr Pike is a trustee of Northcote Lodge Care Home in Aberdeen, and is on the local steering group for Alzheimer Scotland.

His promotion on 1 April follows the retiral of previous team head, partner Douglas Watson, who joined Ledingham Chalmers in 2011. Mr Watson will continue with the organisation on a consultancy basis.

Managing partner Jennifer Young said: “Craig is an incredible asset to the firm, and our clients have seen the benefit of his compassionate, straightforward advice from the outset when he was a trainee, through the years to his promotion to partner and – now – as head of team.

“He is an exceptionally supportive, knowledgeable and respected colleague and – under his leadership – the private client discipline will continue to play an integral part in our nationwide growth plans.”

Partner Alasdair MacLure from the Aberdeen commercial property team is also retiring.

Mr MacLure has been with Ledingham Chalmers for more than 30 years and will also work with the firm on a consultancy basis.

Mrs Young added: “Both Doug and Alasdair have made a huge contribution to our success. I’d like to thank them for their energy, counsel, and considerable support over the years.”

Seven other lawyers have been promoted.

Five are part of the private client team, including specialisms in residential property and rural work. In Aberdeen, Jenna Hendry, James Florance and Claire Woodward make the move to associate, while Hannah Black and Joanna Milne step up to senior solicitor.

Meanwhile there are two promotions in the commercial property discipline: Mhari Michie in Aberdeen and Graeme Myles in Inverness are now both senior associates.