Mr Nicol brings with him 30 years’ experience as a solicitor and has been accredited in personal injury law for almost two decades.

He is a fellow of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, a part time sheriff and convener of the Law Society of Scotland’s Civil Justice Committee.

He said: “I’m accustomed to handling a wide ranging and varied reparation caseload, specialising in high value negligence, fatal and catastrophic injury cases, litigated mainly in the Court of Session.

“I have acted for both pursuers and defenders, bringing experience of both sides, and I am excited to bring my knowledge and expertise to the Thorntons team. I’m also thrilled to join a team with such talented people and a fantastic reputation throughout the East coast of Scotland and Central Belt.”

Partner Caroline Kelly, head of personal injury at Thorntons, said: “It is clear from Iain’s impressive CV that he will be a tremendous asset not only to the Edinburgh office but to the entire firm, and we are proud to welcome him on board.”