New partner for Harper Macleod’s Lerwick office

Harper Macleod has announced a new partner to be based in its Lerwick office as the firm continues its growth in Shetland into 2018.

Stewart MacGregor, who grew up in Shetland, took up his position at the start of January. He will principally carry out property work, including liquor licensing, and will also provide support to the firm’s private client team on a range of personal legal matters such as wills and powers of attorney.

His arrival comes after Chris Dowle stepped down as a partner in the firm into a consultancy role at the end of 2017.

While Mr Dowle continues to be available to provide clients with advice, Mr MacGregor joins fellow partner Paul Rutherford and property director Robert Bell in leading what is the only full-service law firm in Shetland.

Mr Rutherford said: “We are delighted to welcome Stewart to the firm and I’m sure he’s going to be a big asset to our clients as we move forward. Over the past two years we’ve been able to develop the services we can offer and given the people of Shetland access to a much greater range of expertise and strength in depth.

“However, we’re also still a local firm steeped in the community and that’s why it’s great to bring in someone such as Stewart who knows Shetland so well.”

Mr MacGregor said: “I’ve got a big connection with Shetland, that’s why I decided to come back. I feel it’s a fabulous opportunity to join such a well-regarded firm as Harper Macleod and help to grow the business even more over the coming years. The opportunity to return and be part of an exciting, expanding business in Shetland was too big a draw and feels like a very natural move.”

He added: “My family moved up for the oil but I stayed and had my life here for more than 20 years, and my kids were born here. I previously worked for the local authority and did a number of other jobs and I believe that’s given me a varied outlook on life and a type of experience you might not get if you follow one career your whole life. It’s given me a practical grounding in how the rest of the world works and I look forward to bringing this to bear in my new role.”