Scotland

Firm secures eighth position in prestigious national ranking, reaffirming commitment to people and workplace excellence Law firm Weightmans has once again been recognised for its outstanding workplace culture, securing a place among the UK’s Top 10 Employers for the 19th consecutive year. The accolade, awarded by the Top Employers Institute, sees Weightmans achieve eighth position in the 2026 rankings. Active in 131 countries/regions, Top Employers Institute is the global authority in HR certification, benchmarking and advisory. Its programme celebrates organisations worldwide that demonstrate exceptional people-centric policies and practice, creating positive work environments that enable employees to thrive professionally and personally. Top Employers Institute CEO, Adrian Seligman commented: “Achieving a UK Top Employer Certification for 2026 reflects Weightmans’ dedication to building an outstanding workplace that enables sustained business performance. Its strong alignment between people strategy and organisational goals, combined with a commitment to continuous improvement, demonstrates the impact of its transformative practices. We are proud to recognise Weightmans for its meaningful contribution to a better world of work in the UK.” Sarah Walton, Managing Partner at Weightmans, commented: “This award holds particular significance for Weightmans, as it reflects our commitment to nurturing and developing our remarkable people, who truly are the beating heart of the firm. The ongoing enhancements to our workplace culture continue to create an environment where colleagues can thrive and deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients both in the UK and internationally.” Helen Taylor, HR Director, added: “It’s a fantastic achievement and a strong endorsement of our people policies, reinforcing Weightmans as a great place to work. We are really proud.” This recognition follows a series of significant achievements for Weightmans, including being awarded an EcoVadis Gold rating, which places the firm among the top 5% of law and accounting firms globally for ESG and sustainability performance. Additionally, the firm reached its highest-ever position on the 2025 Social Mobility Employer Index, securing 15th place. Ends. Editor’s Notes Weightmans is a leading law firm with a truly global reach. From FTSE-100 companies to family-owned businesses, from public sector organisations to individuals - we believe in the power of people, innovation and partnership to provide strategic business insight and deep expertise to our clients across the UK and beyond. Weightmans, with 1,700 staff across England, Scotland, and Wales, was named a UK Top Employer for the 19th time in January 2026, earning a top ten spot from the Top Employers Institute. In September 2025, it received EcoVadis’ Gold rating, placing it among the top 5% of law and accounting firms worldwide for ESG and sustainability. In October 2025, it also achieved its highest-ever ranking on the 2025 Social Mobility Employer Index, reaching 15th place in the list. Our purpose is to See the Possibility – in our business, our people and our clients. At Weightmans, we believe thinking differently allows us to see the possibilities others don't. For further information please contact Richard Lackey, PR Manager on 0151 243 3328 or email [email protected] About Top Employers Institute Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in people practices. It helps accelerate these practices to enrich the world of work. Through the Top Employers Programme, participating companies can be certified and recognised as an employer of choice. The certification is awarded to organisations based on the participation and results of the HR Best Practices Survey covering six HR domains consisting of 20 topics such as People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity & Inclusion, and Wellbeing. In 2025, Top Employers Institute certified nearly 2,500 organisations in 131 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 14 million employees globally.

Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew continues to advance its four-core sector strategy with a series of new appointments that strengthens its legal expertise in Land & Rural Business, Energy, Private Client and Commercial Real Estate. With offices located in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth, the firm has achieved over 50% headcount growth in the past decade, reflecting its commitment to investing in both legally qualified professionals and business support teams. In September 2025, the firm significantly enhanced its Real Estate capability with the appointment of Keith Bishop in Edinburgh as a senior specialist in Construction and Engineering. Keith is dual qualified in Scotland and England & Wales and has extensive international experience that spans both contentious and non-contentious matters across construction, energy and land development projects. Earlier this month, Kelley Thomson joined the firm as Tax Senior in the Private Client & Tax team. Based in Glasgow, Kelley has extensive expertise in tax analysis and compliance gained in a Big 4 global accountancy practice prior to joining the firm. Chief Executive Officer, Robert Graham-Campbell commented: “We are delighted to welcome these talented individuals to Gillespie Macandrew. Their appointments further strengthen the depth and breadth of expertise in our core areas of practice. Investing in people remains central to our strategy, ensuring we deliver exceptional service to both new and longstanding clients”. As part of the firm’s established two-year legal traineeship programme and commitment to developing future legal talent, the firm recently retained four newly qualified Solicitors; Rachel Grieve specialising in Land & Rural Business, Eilidh Johnston in Commercial Property, Chloe Brown in Banking & Finance, and Max Reid in Energy & Strategic Land. Amy McDowell, Partner and Trainee Recruitment Lead, added “Retaining these talented new solicitors reflects their strong commitment and performance throughout qualification, the strength of our traineeship programme, and our ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of legal professionals. We remain focused on investing in initiatives that support trainees at every stage and help them build rewarding careers in law.” With offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Perth, Gillespie Macandrew advises individuals, families, and businesses on all aspects of land and rural matters, private client, commercial real estate, energy, tax, and disputes, combining a personal approach with specialist sector knowledge.   For more information contact: Lauren Forgie Marketing & Communications Manager [email protected] 0131 260 7567   Gillespie Macandrew advises a broad range of private and corporate clients in the land and rural business, private client and tax, renewable energy, commercial property and corporate sectors. Gillespie Macandrew has 28 partners and offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth. Through its Training Academy, Gillespie Macandrew puts a particular focus on the training and expertise of its people and has grown headcount by 50% to over 180 through organic growth.  The academy has seen eight individuals promoted to partnership since it began. www.gillespiemacandrew.co.uk Image Description (Top left to bottom right): Keith Bishop (Legal Director), Kelley Thomson (Tax Senior), Rachel Grieve (Solicitor), Eilidh Johnston (Solicitor), Chloe Brown (Solicitor) and Max Reid (Solicitor).  

Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew announces its sponsorship of the Women in Wellies podcast. As specialist advisors to the rural sector, Gillespie Macandrew is committed to supporting innovative and progressive initiatives which support the rural community and celebrate the achievements of those representing it. The announcement is one of several industry initiatives carefully selected to support the firm’s extensive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programme, with social responsibility and community engagement as two key pillars of Gillespie Macandrew’s ongoing commitment. The Women in Wellies podcast series first launched by Hannah Lloyd in January 2023, has since established a loyal following of listeners who join to learn about each guest’s unique story, including details of the professional and personal challenges they have had to overcome in their own agricultural and rural experiences. Lizzie McFadzean, Partner, Land and Rural Business at Gillespie Macandrew, said: “We are delighted to support the Women in Wellies podcast series to help bring a spotlight to individuals within the rural community. As longstanding advisors to people and businesses in Agriculture, we are familiar with the challenges they face and understand the importance of educating and inspiring the next generation. We look forward to collaborating with them to provide new opportunities for the growing Women in Wellies network.” Women in Wellies founder, Hannah Lloyd added: “I am delighted to have received the support of Gillespie Macandrew as the Women in Wellies Podcast returns for Season two, continuing to grow and develop. The podcast was born from a love of rural Scotland and to inspire and encourage women across rural Scotland to celebrate their success, to recognise their impact and provide a voice for the invaluable contribution women make. Since the podcast launched, we have shared stories, lessons and experiences across over 40 episodes that have resonated with a broad spectrum of listeners while raising awareness of some important causes and initiatives.” “Having the support, encouragement and opportunities from working with Gillespie Macandrew will allow us to expand the community, share more stories and help inspire the next generation of rural women in Scotland.” Women in Wellies can be accessed on all major streaming platforms, with episodes released fortnightly. Pictured, Lois Newton, Lizzie MacFadzean and Lorna Balfour, Partners in Gillespie Macandrew’s Land and Rural Business team and future guests on the Women in Wellies podcast episodes.

Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew has appointed real estate legal expert, Heather Pearson to its partnership as a key addition to their sector offering.  Heather joins the firm from Addleshaw Goddard and brings almost 30 years’ experience advising in the real estate sector in Scotland. Heather is a specialist in both residential and commercial property development, and is also a recognised expert in the social housing sector. She has a broad portfolio of clients including developers, funders, and property investment companies. Chief Executive Officer Robert Graham-Campbell commented: “I am excited to welcome Heather to Gillespie Macandrew as we continue to invest in our core real estate sector.  Heather’s extensive track record strengthens our Housebuilding team, working alongside Partners Andrew Leslie & Harry Smith and the wider real estate group to deliver excellent service and successful outcomes to our clients”. Heather Pearson, Partner added: “I am delighted to be joining Gillespie Macandrew and look forward to contributing to its continued success and growth”. Gillespie Macandrew has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth and advises individuals, families and businesses on all areas of land and rural matters, private client, commercial real estate, energy, tax and disputes, combining a personal approach with specialist knowledge in its chosen sectors. Image description (left to right): Andrew Leslie (Partner, Housebuilding), Heather Pearson (Partner, Housebuilding) & Robert Graham-Campbell (CEO).