Vivian Macdonald

Vivian is a Senior Immigration Practitioner in our specialist Immigration team. She is based in Edinburgh and works closely with Partner Jacqueline Moore and our expert team of immigration solicitors.

Vivian has a particular specialism in the Global Talent visa route. She supports talented individuals in the fields of academia and research, arts and culture and digital technology to relocate to Scotland and the UK from all over the world.

As part of our International Founders network, Vivian works closely with our unique Ventures & Innovations team to provide a one-stop legal service for international entrepreneurs looking to start and grow their businesses in Scotland, including through the Global Talent, Innovator Founder and Global Business Mobility visa routes.

For individuals, Vivian supports clients through every stage of their visa journey, from the initial visa application to permanent residence and citizenship. She is known for providing clear, comprehensive advice tailored to the individual needs of her clients. Her areas of expertise include family visas, Skilled Worker visas, settlement and British citizenship. She is also experienced in dealing with niche areas of immigration, including the EU Settlement Scheme and the Ukraine schemes.

Before joining Thorntons, Vivan worked for a major Scottish university, where she provided strategic advice on visa sponsorship and supported leading international academics to secure their future in Scotland through the Global Talent visa route. In addition, she advised international academics and other university staff on visa options for themselves and their families. Vivian also played a leading role in the university’s partnership with a university in Ukraine and facilitated visits from Ukrainian students and academics as part of an international exchange project.