Brodies LLP today announces a move into the Highlands & Islands with the opening of its first office in the region.

Scotland's largest law firm has appointed Martin Mackay, formerly of Martin Mackay Ltd, as a consultant, and has taken over the running of the practice's premises in Dingwall.

Having trained as a commercial lawyer in Edinburgh, Martin Mackay has 20 years' experience in servicing clients in the Highlands and specialises in commercial and private matters for businesses, landowners and the agricultural sector. He joins Brodies on a full-time basis, working alongside senior solicitor Karen Barclay from the firm's land and rural business team.

Bill Drummond, managing partner of Brodies, said: "This latest geographic expansion for Brodies is intended to enable clients to access our range of legal services in the most efficient way possible. From renewables, engineering and land use to the more traditional areas of agriculture and mixed-use estates, our presence on the ground will allow us to work more closely with our existing clients and offer businesses and individuals direct access to our services, where and when they wish.

"Martin is a well-known and respected lawyer in the Highlands and existing Brodies' clients will benefit significantly from his experience and knowledge. Clients from across the Highlands and Islands, whom Martin already serves, are now able to tap into our extensive specialist resources whenever required, with our colleague, Karen Barclay, providing further support and Brodies' know-how on the ground. Other colleagues from our Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow-based teams are already enjoying trips north to work with Martin and Karen, help build our presence in Dingwall and ensure we are responding to clients in this very active and enterprising area."