THREE solicitors have been struck off after being found guilty of professional misconduct at Scottish Solicitors' Discipline Tribunal hearings.

Walter Ruark, who had a Carnoustie practice, charged for work that was not done. His actions led to insurers having to pay £670,000 to those left out of pocket.

The tribunal heard he used clients' cash without permission and falsified records. He was also unable to account for all the funds belonging to a deceased client.

Another solicitor, Duncan Kerr, an ex-director with Solicitors Direct (Scotland) Ltd in Aberdeen, was found to have breached the rules in 22 property transactions.

Campbell Joss, who had a practice in Glasgow, broke rules in connection with borrowing funds for clients' mortgages, misled a lender, and failed to give clients proper advice. In three transactions he misled other solicitors involved.