Mr Stewart joins the firm from Morton Fraser and brings more than 20 years of experience, with a particularly strong background in investment and development deals.

Scott Peterkin, head of real estate at Burness Paull, said: “The real estate industry has shown remarkable resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges in recent years, and we continue to see a strong flow of instructions from across our client base.

“David is a great hire for the firm, with considerable experience in key growth areas of the market where we are seeing opportunities and clients are increasingly seeking our advice – such as the build-to-rent and purpose-built student accommodation sectors.

“Having been on the opposite side from David on a number of transactions, we are well aware of his technical skills and legal aptitude which, alongside his track record of building enduring client relationships and management style, make him an excellent fit with our team.”

Peter Lawson, chair at Burness Paull, said: “Our real estate division is a long-standing powerhouse of the firm which continues to push forward and evolve in line with our clients’ needs. Key to this is investing in talented individuals, like David, who add significant value and further reinforce our market-leading position.”

Mr Stewart added: “I am delighted to be joining what is arguably the preeminent real estate team in Scotland. Burness Paull has a strong reputation in the market, both for the quality of its work and the culture at the firm.

“I look forward to working with my new colleagues to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients and unlock growth opportunities.”