Mr Allan, who began his accountancy career with Scholes CA in 2011, has been an associate director with the firm for the past two years. He now joins directors Karen Scholes and Ivan Houston at the helm of the company.

The announcement comes as Scholes CA builds on an intensive period of activity within its Kirkwall and Edinburgh offices, supporting clients nationwide through the pandemic.

Mr Allan said: “I’m delighted to be joining Karen and Ivan as a director of Scholes CA and very much look forward to helping take the business forward.

“I was drawn to Scholes CA when first considering a career in accountancy because the company does so much to help small business owners, offering a very wide range of accounting, tax and advisory services under one roof. Equally, the sheer variety of clients Scholes CA works with, in Orkney, Edinburgh and much further afield, means there’s never been a dull moment professionally.

“Scholes CA has given me the career I always dreamed of, but with the added lifestyle benefits that come with living in my Orkney homeland. I am indebted to both Karen and Ivan; they have always given young people a chance, which was how got I started and developed my career. I extend my thanks to them for their support, and now look forward helping the next generation.”

He added: “Our clients have faced unprecedented challenges over the past 18 months or so, with everyone within the firm going the extra mile to help them through this very difficult period. My immediate focus as director will be on supporting our fantastic team in Orkney and Edinburgh as they continue to guide our clients through the economic recovery, strengthening the delivery of our tax, accountancy and advisory services and identifying any new avenues we need to be exploring as a company.”

Karen Scholes commented: “Ryan, who has undertaken all of his professional training with Scholes CA, quickly proved himself to be a valuable asset to our business. He’s worked exceptionally hard over the years, with his achievement in becoming a director setting a fine example to younger members of our team and other young people locally who might be thinking about a career in accountancy.”