Police drop probe into collapse of McClure Solicitors

Founded in Greenock in 1853, McClure specialised in wills and trusts and had tens of thousands of clients across the UK. Its collapse left some homeowners unable to sell properties held in trusts, while others faced significant legal costs.

A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that no criminality had been established following an investigation.

McClure’s collapse saw another firm, Jones Whyte, take over its case files. At the time of its closure, McClure had 84 staff across Glasgow and Greenock, along with 13 satellite offices in Scotland and England.

It is estimated that around 18,000 family protection trusts were taken out by clients in England and Wales. Trusts are commonly used to manage assets such as property or money, with some people setting them up in the hope of preventing their home from being sold to cover care home fees.

Police Scotland said the force had received “information and documentation” about McClure. A spokesman said: “It has been assessed and no criminality has been established. The complainers have been updated.”