STRICKEN law firm Ross Harper is now officially in the hands of a court-appointed factor – signalling the end of any possibility of the firm resuming trading.

Ian Mitchell, of accountants Henderson Loggie, has been appointed judicial factor for the business by the Court of Session after performing the role on an interim basis for six weeks.

The former partners of Ross Harper had until last week to lodge an objection to his appointment but none was made.

The announcement came as the firm's civil law, reparation and personal injury business was transferred to Glasgow solicitors Thompson & Brown, along with parts of the family law practice.

Mr Mitchell said yesterday: "I can announce that my appointment as judicial factor coincides with the sale of the remaining parts of the Ross Harper business.

"Notification was given to Ross Harper staff in Glasgow earlier today."

Ross Harper ceased trading on April 30 when Henderson Loggie said the firm's financial position made it "impossible to continue its business activities".

Mr Mitchell said he would be contacting clients and dealing with claims against the firm.