Mr Anderson, a rural property law specialist, joins Morton Fraser from Gillespie MacAndrew and carries a long and highly respected reputation in the Scottish legal sector. He will be based in the firm’s Edinburgh office.

He is the second senior addition to the firm’s agricultural and rural property team in nine months, following the appointment of Linsey Barclay-Smith as partner last year, as it continues to grow its agricultural law expertise. The team is part of the firm’s private client division and advises a range of clients with interests in rural Scotland, from individual landowners to rural businesses and public sector organisations.

James Rust, partner and head of agricultural and rural property at Morton Fraser, said: “Adding Alistair’s depth of knowledge and experience is an important part of our plans to grow and strengthen our business.

“He has a stellar reputation in Scotland, with strong national and international contacts, and will be an important asset to clients in what is a buoyant and flourishing sector.”

Mr Anderson said: “Morton Fraser is a firm with an impressive reputation and demonstrated an imaginative appetite for what I could offer to the team as it continues to grow in Scotland and beyond.

“My aim is to provide value to the firm’s client base using my background and knowledge of rural property, forestry and farming estates issues. I am excited to be joining a team that aligns with my own business ideals and that I felt was the perfect fit for me at this stage of my career.”

Sue Hunter, partner and head of Morton Fraser’s private client division, added: “Our growing Agricultural and Rural Property team is an important part of our private client division. Following Linsey Barclay-Smith’s appointment as Partner in October, adding Alistair as Consultant further strengthens our ability to service clients in the sector in this time of constant change and uncertainty.”