In an initial move towards retirement and after a long and distinguished career focused on property law, Donald Reid is stepping down as chairman and partner in the firm.

Appointed chairman in 1997, he will remain as a consultant and as dean of the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow.

In his stead, managing partner Morag Inglis, who has been with Mitchells Roberton throughout her entire career and was appointed the first female partner of the firm in 1993, will take up the role of Chair.

In a further development, Professor Roderick Paisley will join Mitchells Roberton as a consultant.

Ms Inglis said: “I have a hard act to follow as Chair: Donald has been an outstanding leader of the firm, and I hope to build on his legacy in taking Mitchells Roberton into a new era which I believe will be fruitful both for our clients and our staff.

“I am delighted also that Professor Roderick Paisley is joining Mitchells Roberton as Consultant. As Professor of Scots Law at the University of Aberdeen, he is a specialist in the law of property, conveyancing, succession, and trusts.

“A prolific author on these subjects, Professor Paisley is recognised in Scotland as a leading expert on the law of conveyancing generally and the law of servitudes particularly.

“In my role as managing partner I have had huge support from Mark McGorm as Partnership Director so I am delighted that he and I will continue to work together in the development and management of Mitchells Roberton.”