Harper Macleod, the largest law firm in the Highlands, Islands and Moray, has seen its north of Scotland team mark a year of growth in line with its performance across Scotland.
Total headcount at the firm is currently around 470 people, with just under 70 of the team based at offices in Inverness, Elgin and Lerwick.
Highlights for the year include advising:
- McGowan Group, the Aviemore based infrastructure and environmental engineering contractor on its acquisition by BRUSH Group.
- Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport on various matters including its tax site delivery agreements.
- Coigach Community Development Company on its acquisition of 7,900 acres of tenanted croft land and common grazings on the Badentarbet Estate on the Coigach peninsula.
The firm was also reappointed for a further two years to provide legal advice to Forestry and Land Scotland, the executive agency responsible for managing Scotland’s national forests and land, much of which is situated in the north of Scotland. The relationship with FLS stretches back to 2008.
Harper Macleod’s Scotland-wide turnover grew to £43.5m for the year to 31st March 2025, compared to £36.5m for the previous year. The Highlands, Islands & Moray operation saw growth at the same rate as overall firm growth.
The firm continued its investment in its people last year, with several senior lawyers in the north of Scotland being promoted. Andrea Ross in the residential property and estate agency team, and Lindsay MacEwen in the private client team, have both been promoted to legal director roles while Angus Brown becomes a senior associate in the dispute resolution team. A further six promotions took place across the Inverness and Elgin offices.
It also continued its support for a wide variety of community partnerships and charities including Highland Hospice, Maggie’s Centre, the UHI CREATE programme, and Young Enterprise Scotland.
Chris Kerr, Harper Macleod’s lead partner for the Highlands, Islands and Moray, said:
“Last year, we marked our 20th anniversary since opening our doors in Inverness. The upward trend we’ve been on for the last 20 years shows we’re committed to fulfilling our promise to be the advisor of choice to the north of Scotland’s businesses, organisations, individuals and families.
“We’ve strengthened our expertise and involvement in the areas which matter most to the Highlands, Islands and Moray communities, including energy and natural capital, rural affairs and the marine economy. While the size of our team is significant, we recognise it is important to properly understand and be engrained in these areas to provide the advice our clients are looking for.
“We’re also pleased to be able to be an employer of choice for those wishing to start or develop their careers in the north of Scotland, whether that be in or alongside the legal profession.”
Harper Macleod was recently named Scottish Firm of the Year at the inaugural Chambers UK Awards, an accolade which goes alongside being named ESG Firm of the Year at the 2024 Legal 500 Awards and being the only Scottish headquartered firm to be recognised in the 2025 Legal 500 Green Guide, both for the second year running.
It is the preferred advisor to 40% of Scotland’s law firms (around 1900 lawyers), through its innovative HM Connect referral network which provides additional legal advice and resources in areas of the law with which they require expert support.
Harper Macleod was established in 1988 by founding partner and chairman, Professor Lorne Crerar CBE FRSE. Lorne served as chairman of Highlands and Islands Enterprise from 2008 to 2020. He said:
“We’re entering a new phase, underpinned by a strong foundation, and confidence in our abilities to deliver.
“This year has been particularly pleasing, not just for the financial performance, but seeing colleagues achieve their own personal goals as part of a collective aim to be the best in Scotland.”