Mrs Graham steps up from her position as associate director, her promotion coming as part of a six-figure investment by the firm in its North Berwick office.

Having been with the company for 11 years she brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Her promotion is a significant appointment for the company, which is aiming to bolster the East Lothian team in the months ahead as it looks to enhance its reputation as the go-to estate agency in the region.

One of Scotland’s most well-respected brands in the sector, Simpson & Marwick was established in 1886, and has seen its influence grow in East Lothian since expanding there in the 1980s.

The recently-formed Simpson and Marwick Group acquired the Simpson & Marwick estate agency business from Moray Group towards the end of October last year, with the new set-up headed by managing directors Sean Nicol and Gary Wales.

Ms Graham is targeting a larger share of the market as the company introduces more modern and innovative business methods under the new ownership.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to take the reins and continue to drive the Simpson & Marwick brand forward in East Lothian,” she said.

“I am proud that we are market leaders but as the property market is constantly evolving, as a firm we want to move at the same pace, introducing new marketing strategies and media packages to enable us to continue to provide our clients with exceptional service levels and the best tools to secure a successful sale. We have exciting plans to ensure we remain the agent that is always one step ahead.”

Mr Wales said: “Our aim is to continue to grow one of Scotland’s most prestigious estate agencies and the appointment of Hannah as Area Director for East Lothian is a prime example of how we will do that.

“She has been with the company for over 10 years, is hugely respected in the industry and we’re delighted to give her ownership of the region.

“We already have a strong presence in the area and have exciting plans to grow further, spearheaded by Hannah.”