Tayside's leading legal firm has strengthened its Land and Rural team with the appointment of two experienced solicitors.
Richard Blake and Gail Clarke have joined the dedicated team at Thorntons and bring with them a wealth of industry knowledge.
Richard, who has been an adviser to the rural sector for over 30 years, takes on the role of Business Consultant at the firm. He will support the team on matters of law and practice as well as helping the team to achieve its strategic goals.
As legal advisor to Scottish Land & Estates, the only membership organisation in Scotland working for landowners, and as a member of the Tenant Farming Forum, Richard is regularly involved in discussions on rural policy development within the industry and with the Scottish Government.
Richard said: "The experience within the Land and Rural team at Thorntons is exceptional and I am delighted to be on board as a Business Consultant.
"Having worked in the industry for more than three decades I look forward to using my experience to support the team as the firm continues to move forward."
Joining Richard is Associate Gail Clarke who moved from Edinburgh firm, Anderson Strathern.
Gail is a specialist in renewable energy, in addition to having considerable experience in all aspects of rural property matters. Gail will be dividing her time between the team's base in Perth and also Edinburgh to allow her to serve the firm's clients in and around the capital.
Gail said: "Thorntons has a very busy and long established Land and Rural team, working with a wide range of clients. The experience within the team is considerable and I hope to add to it with my skills and expertise, particularly in renewable energy projects such as wind, hydro and biomass. The team's approach is hugely refreshing and I am looking forward to working with them and others in the firm.
Liz Barr is heading up the Land and Rural team, which is primarily based in Thorntons' Perth office.
From a farming family herself, Liz was the first female in Scotland to be accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in agricultural law.
She said: "This is an exciting time for the Land and Rural team as we strengthen and develop the department.There is a great deal happening in the sector at the moment with the raft of legislation emanating from Edinburgh, CAP reform and the Government's renewable energy agenda.
"I would like to extend a warm welcome to Richard and Gail who are both valued additions to the team and will help us to continue to provide the highest level of quality and specialist services.
"With the support of litigation partner, Noele McClelland, a specialist in employment law, and private client partner Nick Barclay, providing his expertise on trusts, wills, executries and inheritance tax planning, there are now 11 members working within the department and among us we have more than a century of experience in delivering highly specialised yet accessible advice to a wide variety of clients."
Issued by Beattie Communications on behalf of Thorntons Solicitors.
Contact: Jennifer Black, Tel 01698 787878