By Scott Wright

TWO long-established Scottish law firms have merged as they seek to capitalise on strong demand for legal services as the economy rebounds from the pandemic.

Holmes Mackillop, which can trace its roots back to 1783, has merged with Campbell Riddell Breeze Paterson in a deal that creates a “whole greater than the sum of its parts”.

The merger will combine the private client, residential conveyancing and commercial practice of Campbell Riddell Breeze Paterson with Holmes Mackillop’s specialisms in family law, corporate deal-making and litigation.

All offices will be retained and there will be no redundancies arising from the deal.

Campbell Riddell Breeze Paterson has offices in Milngavie and Giffnock, while Holmes Mackillop is based in Glasgow and Johnstone.

Richard Leggett and Robert Stewart of Campbell Riddell Breeze Paterson will be become directors and voting shareholders in Holmes Mackillop, and all of their staff will join the enlarged group.

The merged business will trade initially as Holmes Mackillop Solicitors incorporating Campbell Riddell Breeze Paterson and then become Holmes Mackillop.

It will have an overall headcount of 38, 25 coming from Holmes Mackillop and 13 from Campbell Riddell Breeze Paterson.

Mr Leggett said: “This merger creates an exciting business synergy between our two firms.

“Both firms have a long history of shared values with a strong professional commitment to providing the highest quality of legal advice to our clients in a personal and cost-effective manner.”

Ralph Riddiough, head of Holmes Mackillop’s corporate team, said: “This is a very positive development for the owners, staff and clients of both businesses, and will add considerable strength to all areas in which the enlarged business will provide legal advice.”

“Holmes Mackillop has always blended its commercial practice with a keen focus on private client and conveyancing work and this merger provides a tremendous boost to our capacity and expertise in those disciplines.

“We also recognise the quality of the commercial client base in Campbell Riddell Breeze Paterson and look forward to working with Richard and Robert going forward.”