Scotland

Law firm Weightmans has made five new appointments to its insurance practice, bringing specialist expertise across fraud, intelligence, professional indemnity and media. It comes as the team reports 10% revenue growth year-on-year, following strong growth in 2025. Ian McConkey joins as a partner in the firm's Specialty Department in Manchester. Previously a partner and Manchester Location Head at DAC Beachcroft, Ian specialises in disputes, litigation, and professional indemnity claims. He is a recognised expert in media cases and has acted for a major media organisation for over 25 years, including in many high-profile and sensitive matters. Ian has recently been appointed President of Manchester Law Society. James Stevens also joins as a partner in the firm's fraud team. Previously a partner at Kennedys Law, James brings 21 years' experience specialising exclusively in insurance fraud. He has particular expertise in defending high-value organised fraud operations and strategic insurance fraud initiatives across motor, casualty and property claims. James is recognised as a Key Practitioner for Crime and Fraud in the Legal 500 2025. Strategic intelligence investment Weightmans made significant investment in its Intelligence team during early 2026. Ann Dallaway joins from DAC Beachcroft as Fraud and Intelligence Technical Lead, bringing over 22 years' experience as an intelligence specialist. She is joined by two Intelligence Researchers, including Harriet Roman, who also joins from DAC Beachcroft. The appointments build on the 2025 hire of specialist consultant Kate Abrahams, who focuses on intelligence management and ECCTA compliance. Together, they strengthen Weightmans' integrated approach to fraud and intelligence services for insurer clients. Ann will lead the continued development of the firm's fraud and Know Your Opponent (KYO) technology and processes, enhancing the intelligence capability that underpins legal services across the practice. Building on 2025 momentum The appointments follow significant growth during 2025, when the insurance practice made six senior appointments. The team welcomed five partners across Large Loss, Casualty, Clinical Negligence and Motor specialisms, with five internal promotions to senior associate level further strengthening capabilities. Kieran Jones, Head of Insurance at Weightmans, said: "These appointments represent a clear statement of intent about where we're investing. Fraud and intelligence are strategic priorities for us, and we're building capabilities that go well beyond traditional legal services. "Ian's appointment adds significant weight to our Specialty team. With his professional indemnity and media expertise, combined with his role as President of Manchester Law Society, he brings real profile and experience. James strengthens our fraud litigation capability at a time when regulatory changes like ECCTA are creating new challenges for insurers. "The intelligence team expansion is particularly important. Ann's technical expertise and the calibre of people joining demonstrates the ambition we have in this space. We're building an intelligence function that supports not just fraud work but provides valuable insight across all areas of our insurance practice. "These hires give us real momentum as we continue into 2026 with continued focus on expanding international desks and supporting clients through regulatory challenges including Martyn's Law.” 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 Top Employer for the 18th time in January 2026, earning a top five 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]

PRESS RELEASE 16 March 2026 Scottish Law firm Gillespie Macandrew has announced the appointment of two new Partners and 13 further promotions across its legal team. Caitlin Keegan, from the firm’s Residential Property team, and Fraser Vandal, from the Employment Law team, have been promoted to Partner.   Caitlin began her legal career at Gillespie Macandrew as a newly qualified Solicitor in 2016 in the firm’s Morningside, Edinburgh office.  Fraser joined in 2023, bringing significant Employment Law expertise to strengthen the firm’s Glasgow offering.   Furthermore, the firm has made a series of internal promotions across its Commercial Property, Dispute Resolution, Corporate, Land & Rural Business, Energy & Strategic Land and Private Client teams. Kevin Sturgeon and Conner McConnell have been promoted to Senior Associate; Mark Milne, Ruth Thomson, Sam Conington, Katie Marshall, Kirsten Holmes and Laura Wilson to Associate; and Beth Hancock, Miles McKay, Alasdair Forsyth, Fiona Reid and Harry Donnelly to Senior Solicitor.   Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Merchant, welcomed the announcements: “These promotions reflect the strength, ambition and talent of our people across Gillespie Macandrew. Caitlin and Fraser’s appointment to the Partnership, alongside the wider promotions, supports our long‑term strategy of sustainable growth across Scotland by investing in the people who drive our success. Strengthening our Partnership and wider teams ensures we continue to deliver the highest level of service to clients and respond to the evolving needs of the market across our Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth offices.”   Caitlin Keegan, Partner – Residential Property said: “Having joined the firm as an NQ in 2016, I am delighted to now join the Partnership and to keep playing a part in shaping our future. It has been a privilege to grow my career at Gillespie Macandrew, and I am excited to continue contributing to our team and our ambitions for the years ahead.”   Fraser Vandal, Partner – Employment Law added: “I am delighted to be joining the Partnership and taking the next step in my career with Gillespie Macandrew. We have fantastic Employment clients, and I look forward to working with both new and existing relationships and the wider Dispute Resolution team as we continue the growth and success of the firm.”   Gillespie Macandrew 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.   ENDS     For more information contact: Lauren Forgie Marketing & Communications Manager [email protected] 0131 260 7567   Notes to Editors   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 29 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 over the last six years the headcount has grown by 50% to over 180 through organic growth.  The academy has seen eight individuals promoted to partnership since it began.   www.gillespiemacandrew.co.uk  

Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew LLP has appointed Gavin Merchant as its new CEO, with effect from 1 March 2026. This follows the firm’s appointment of Frank Blin as Chair in July 2025 and marks the start of an exciting era for Gillespie Macandrew as a growth-focussed firm. Gavin succeeds Robert Graham-Campbell, who retires after eight years in the role. Having studied law at the University of Edinburgh and subsequently qualified as a Chartered Accountant, Gavin brings extensive experience from his career in banking and private markets investment in London and overseas.  His ability to drive growth, financial literacy, people skills and track record of building and leading high-performing teams in complex environments stand him in good stead for the CEO role at Gillespie Macandrew. Gavin was appointed following an extensive search process led by Chair Frank Blin, who said: "I am very happy that we have secured Gavin as our new CEO. He brings a combination of relevant financial, business and strategic management experience which will help drive the firm forward and deliver our growth plans in the coming years, building on the strong platform built under Robert’s leadership.” Robert joined the firm in 2017 after a career in investment banking followed by law firm leadership roles spanning almost 25 years. Under his leadership, he oversaw a period of strategy-led growth, including establishing the firm’s presence in Glasgow in addition to its offices in Edinburgh and Perth.  During this period, the partnership grew by almost one third to 28 whilst turnover increased by more than 70%. Gavin Merchant, Gillespie Macandrew’s new CEO, added: “I am delighted to be joining Gillespie Macandrew at such a pivotal time.  The firm has an excellent reputation, talented colleagues and a strong platform for future success.  I look forward to working closely with our people and clients in the years ahead and to further developing the firm’s capabilities.” Gillespie Macandrew’s focus on its four core sectors of Land & Rural Business, Energy, Real Estate and Private Client has contributed significantly to the firm’s strong progress. The firm has also recently been certified for its achievements in ESG and cyber security.

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.