Scotland

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).

Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew LLP has commenced a two-year partnership with local charities Richmond’s Hope and Change Mental Health. The announcement supports 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. As well as the firm’s financial support, both charities will be supported throughout the year via fundraising events, voluntary opportunities with Gillespie Macandrew colleagues and a donation from pre-tax profits. Gillespie Macandrew’s charity partnerships are a key part of the Firm’s overall Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme which includes representatives from all four Gillespie Macandrew offices and a donation percentage of pre-tax profits each year to the nominated charities. The new partnerships were determined by colleagues through a democratic selection process that focused on appealing for their suggestions and motive for choosing charities. Each of the shortlisted charities was assessed against the four UN Sustainable Development Goals that the firm has chosen to focus on, seeking to advance these goals is a central part of the firm’s ESG Strategy. Richmond’s Hope provides children and young people aged 4-18 years old with the support, tools and space to process their grief after losing someone close to them. Change Mental Health is a national mental health charity delivering non-clinical, person-centred support to people affected by mental illness in communities across Scotland. Robert Graham-Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of Gillespie Macandrew said: “I am delighted to welcome Change Mental Health and Richmond’s Hope on board as our new charity partners. Our partnership launch event held in our office was an opportunity for colleagues to meet both charity teams and learn more about the great work they do.” Linsey Shields, Director of Fundraising at Change Mental Health, said: “Change Mental Health is delighted to be partnering with Gillespie Macandrew over the coming two years. Through their commitment of spreading awareness, raising vital funds and volunteering their time, we can continue to provide transformational mental health support to more people across Scotland. It’s only through the support of charity partners like Gillespie Macandrew that we can be one step closer to a future where no one faces mental illness alone.” Alison Cairns, Chief Executive Officer at Richmond’s Hope commented: “We are delighted to be selected as one of Gillespie Macandrew’s charity partners for 2025-2027. Richmond's Hope is very excited about this partnership which will have a big impact on the children and young people we work with and also help us reach more bereaved children and families. Thank you to everyone at Gillespie Macandrew who nominated Richmond's Hope.” For more information contact: Lauren Forgie Marketing & Communications Manager 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 SME sectors. Gillespie Macandrew has 29 partners and offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth. Partners in Gillespie Macandrew donate a percentage of their pre-tax profits to charity - the total donated over the past 8 years is £300,000. 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 170 through organic growth.  The academy has seen eight individuals promoted to partnership since it began. Change Mental Health is a national mental health charity providing non-clinical and person-centred support across communities in Scotland. The charity has been around for nearly 53 years and works from the top of Highland to the bottom of Dumfries & Galloway and places in between, with national services available like Young People’s Programmes and an Advice and Support Service, to ensure everyone has access to support. Richmond’s Hope is a charity that supports bereaved children and young people aged 4-18 to help them live well with their grief. Their Bereavement Team use therapeutic play and specialised grief activities to empower children and young people to tell the story of their grief and enable changes to their lives.

Macdonald Henderson has advised  NeuroClin Ltd, the  pioneering neurological research organisation headquartered at Eurocentral, Scotland’s leading industrial and business hub on the completion of a seven-figure investment by N4 Partners. The investment further increases N4’s stake in the business which is fast becoming a pioneer in neurological research producing new work into understanding the complex profile of conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and depression. Backed by Foresight Group, Fullbrook Thorpe Investments and N4, NeuroClin has undergone a transformative period which has included the appointment of the experienced global pharma executive, Jeff Thomis, as its Chair, a move into new headquarters located at Eurocentral, launching its maiden Parkinson’s research programme and significantly increasing the headcount to approximately 60 employees. Allan Dowie, Partner at N4, commented: “We are delighted to announce our increased position and partnership in such an exciting business with incredible market opportunities. We’re proud to back a business which is producing life-changing research for the millions suffering from neurological conditions worldwide.” Jeff Thomis, NeuroClin Ltd’s Chair, added: “It has been very encouraging to see the meaningful partnerships formed over the last 3 years enabling the clinic to continue to build on its global reputation and further diversify the research base. A strong platform has been developed and we look ahead to further expansion.” Macdonald Henderson are pleased to have advised NeuroClin and its dynamic management team on this exciting transaction, and wish all stakeholders in the continuing business every success for the future.