TWO more Scottish law firms have joined forces in a merger deal.

The agreement between Lindsays and Shield & Kyd will create a firm with 27 partners and 172 staff.

It will operate under the Lindsays name from offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Jedburgh, Arbroath and North Berwick.

All seven partners from Shield & Kyd are staying on, although two will be acting as consultants.

All staff are expected to transfer over, although Shield and Kyd's operations in Edinburgh will be consolidated at the Lindsays office on Canning Street.

Alasdair Cummings, managing partner of Lindsays, said: "We are delighted with the merger. It is a perfect fit, both in terms of the expertise we will be gaining and in terms of the geographical footprint.

"Lindsays will now enjoy a network of offices from the Scottish Borders to Angus, taking in three of Scotland's major cities."

Peter Tweedie, managing partner of Shield & Kyd, said: "This is an extremely exciting time for us.

"The merger provides a perfect cultural fit in terms of our people and the areas of expertise of our respective firms. It will both enhance and strengthen the range of services we are able to provide to all of our clients whether in relation to their personal, family or business affairs."