It will be headed up by Iain Landsman, who joins the company as director, moving from his previous role as a director with global property consultant CBRE.

In his new role, Mr Landsman will lead the development of Hutcheon Mearns Real Estate, using his 15 plus years’ experience in the Scottish property market to position the new company at the forefront of real estate advisory, while creating value for clients through strategic advice and deal execution.

During his career, he has been involved in high profile transactions in the Scottish market working with a range of clients across different sectors.

The opening of this new business line is seen as a natural progression in Hutcheon Mearns’ growth strategy. It is seen as a clear next step following the establishment of Hutcheon Mearns’ deals advisory business in 2018 to provide support on M&A and transaction due diligence.

Adam Maitland, managing director of Hutcheon Mearns, said: “Property tends to be a significant area of consideration for any M&A transaction – whether that is in relation to owned or leased properties. Our teams have day to day conversations with business owners, CEOs and finance directors who often have property issues they need support with.

“The establishment of Hutcheon Mearns Real Estate provides a valuable link between deals advisory and property advisory, so that we will now be able to provide another area to optimise shareholder value in transactions.”

Mr Landsman added: “Business owners need to consider property matters ahead of any potential business sale. That means there is a clear need in the market for a service such as this which can provide clients with independent, expert real estate advice to ensure they safeguard and maximise their investments in property as part of a transaction process.

“This will create a much more seamless and far less complicated transaction for clients before, during and after an M&A process. Prior to this, they would have had to outsource the services of a surveyor, but now they can access all the information, advice and support they need from a single source.”

In addition to providing real estate advice to companies engaging in business transactions, Hutcheon Mearns Real Estate will provide a full range of property services across the commercial real estate sector.