Two Scottish property companies, CKD Finlayson Hughes and Cluttons (Scotland), have announced that they are merging to form a new national property consultancy. The company, to be known as CKD Galbraith, will start trading from next Monday through a network of offices around the country.
Like its forebears, CKD Galbraith will specialise in the quality residential and rural property market, and hopes to further expand its activity in the commercial sector. The firm has 11 principal members, who are to be supported by 80 staff.
Announcing the merger in Edinburgh today, James Galbraith, senior partner in Cluttons (Scotland) and chairman of CKD Galbraith, said: “We take immense pride in the fact that two well-respected and independent firms, with formidable reputations in their respective areas, are coming together. We will truly be a national firm with local expertise, specialising in serving the needs of private clients.”
Tim Kirkwood, managing partner of CKD Finlayson Hughes and chief executive of CKD Galbraith, said: “The property market in Scotland is vibrant, both in the residential and commercial sectors, despite prophecies of economic downturn.
“A tremendous variety of people are investing in property and not just in their own homes. There has been an upsurge in commercial property investment, with people buying second houses for personal use or letting, and there is a strong market in rural property ownership.
“It made great sense for our two firms to meet these challenges together and to become a new force in Scottish property. We will provide depth and breadth of advice across the principal property sectors.”
CKD Galbraith will have offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Inverness, Ayr, Aberfeldy and Cupar. It will continue the association between the former CKD Finlayson Hughes and London firm CKD Kennedy Macpherson, which specialises in the sale of high-value Scottish property and grouse moors.
References: PLS News 1/4/03
