Paul Haniford joined Thorntons at the beginning of this month, followed by Jayne Macfarlane.

The pair are based in the firm’s Glasgow office and will have a key role in helping Thorntons to achieve its growth plans for the west of Scotland. The firm is set to open its first permanent home in Glasgow following client demand. The premises, located in George Square, will double the firm’s existing capacity in Glasgow when it launches in April.

Mr Haniford is experienced in all aspects of commercial real estate across a variety of sectors, including retail, offices, industrial and leisure, acting for investors, funders, developers and corporate occupiers from the UK and overseas.

Ms Macfarlane, who has more than 12 years of experience in the sector, advises clients across a wide spectrum of matters including those requiring expertise in investment, development, retail, industrial, office and mixed use.

The firm also recently welcomed legal director Richard Hart, who has over 25 years’ experience in the real estate sector acting for housebuilders, landowners and tenants on all aspects of site acquisitions and sales, and Abbi Armstrong, who moved from residential conveyancing to join the commercial real estate team as a senior solicitor. Both are based in the Glasgow office.

Lesley Larg, managing partner, Thorntons, said: “Paul and Jayne join us at a pivotal time for Thorntons and will play a key role in our west of Scotland strategy as well as boost our commercial real estate team.

“We will continue to pursue lateral hires and build on our successful track record of strategic mergers and acquisitions as part of our expansion plans.”