Full-service law firm Thorntons is formally opening its new Inverness office, which is its first permanent home in the Highlands after operating from serviced office space since December 2023.

Since the business announced its plans to establish a permanent base in the north it has confirmed a string of strategic hires including commercial property partners Paul Adams and John Smart and private client partner Magnus Mackay.

The 13-strong team will build on Thorntons’ current client base in the Highlands which includes University of Highlands and Islands and Cabot Highlands, home to the renowned 18-hole Castle Stuart Golf links. In recent months Thorntons client base has continued to grow with further clients across the region engaging Thorntons for all their legal needs.

Thorntons’ new modern premises within Beechwood Business Park, Inverness incorporates open plan office desks, a range of client meeting areas and flexible space that will support collaborative working and wellbeing.

At 4000sq ft, the office will be able to host more than 34 desks for the current headcount of 13 indicating the firm’s commitment to growth.

Initially, the team has focused on providing commercial real estate, planning, residential conveyancing, landed estates, wills, powers of attorney, trusts and succession planning advice. Meanwhile clients have also been able to benefit from the wider network of expertise in the firm such as employment law, dispute resolution, agricultural and family law.

Paul Adams, lead partner in Thorntons’ Inverness operation, said: “It has been a busy and exciting start to the year for Thorntons in Inverness. We’ve appointed a strong team of senior legal figures and bright stars who have all contributed to the growth of our operation in just a matter of months.

Opening the doors to our new permanent office further demonstrates our aspirations and commitment to growing our team and service offering to clients across the Highlands and Islands. Making a positive contribution to the wider community will be another key focus in the weeks, months, and years to come.”

Lesley Larg, managing partner, Thorntons, said: “We have supported a variety of businesses, families, and individuals in the Highlands and Islands for many years but establishing a permanent base in Inverness cements our commitment to the region and will allow us to develop new and meaningful relationships.

The Inverness area is home to a range of important sectors including tourism, food and drink and a thriving life sciences industry, and we are confident that our skills and experience can help them to flourish further.

It’s fantastic to see the growth of the team and business in recent months and we look forward to working together and continuing to support this vibrant operation.”

Thorntons employs more than 550 people and has 73 partners across 14 Scottish offices including its Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth locations.