Flood-hit Ballater solicitors’ office expands workforce ahead of reopening

An Aberdeenshire solicitors’ office affected by flooding is set to reopen next week and has expanded its workforce in the process.

The Ballater branch of Laurie & Co was badly hit by floods in the aftermath of Storm Frank last December. The office was inundated by water up to three feet deep which rendered it completely unfit for occupation. The premises have been closed since December 2015 but have now been totally renovated and are on track to open next week.

Laurie & Co has also used the opportunity to welcome a new associate Solicitor, Mary-Jay Morton, to its team at the Ballater office, expanding its workforce to three full time and one part time member of staff. The recent repair work on the office has also allowed the firm to create an additional office for its new member of staff.

Ms Morton, who lives near Ballater, brings with her over ten years’ experience in a broad range of private client work and is keen to retain and build on her local connections.

The Aberdeen-based solicitors first opened a branch in Ballater five years ago, after taking over the business of Gray & Kellas. Since then, the Bridge Street office has built up a strong client base in the village by offering a wide range of legal advice and services.

The team has been operating out of its Aberdeen headquarters for the past five months and regularly stays in touch with clients via phone calls and emails.

Alan Nicoll, senior partner of Laurie & Co said: “The support the village received was absolutely incredible and it certainly helped get us all back on our feet.

“I am so proud that the office is reopening next week, alongside a few of our neighbours. The entire community has achieved so much this year and hopefully Ballater will come back stronger than ever”.