Harper Macleod honoured for its corporate social responsibility at Scottish Business Awards

The event – the biggest business gathering ever held in the country – attracted headlines even before it began by enticing Oscar-winning actor, director and humanitarian George Clooney as its keynote speaker and featured appearances from Sir Chris Hoy and Chris Evans.

On an evening which had social responsibility at its heart – and which was expected to raise more than £1 million for charities including the Social Bite Fund and human rights organisation Not On Our Watch – the firm was honoured to pick up the award which recognised its long-term commitment to social responsibility through its “HM Community programme”.

Chairman and founder Professor Lorne Crerar and chief executive Martin Darroch joined host Rob Brydon on stage to collect the prize on behalf of the firm.

Professor Crerar said: “We are overwhelmed to have been given this award. We have always tried to recognise the importance of our role in the community, both business and otherwise, and encourage all our people to do likewise.

“So we are honoured to have that recognised by the Scottish business world at such a tremendous celebration of everything’s that good about Scottish business – and which in itself would win any CSR award hands down.”

He added: “Corporate social responsibility is a concept that has been around for some time now, but it is increasingly important.

“This award is a testament to the culture we have built at Harper Macleod since we were no more than a start-up legal business, and with the help of our friends and clients we’ll endeavour to redouble our efforts in the years ahead.”