Effective as of 1 May 2024, the merger marks a significant milestone for all three firms as they combined into a workforce of some 70 personnel under the banner of Burnett & Reid, which was founded in 1754 and is the longest-established legal firm in the city.

All staff positions will remain, with the team being located across two offices in Aberdeen at 1 Albyn Place and 432 Union Street, and an office in Banchory at the Banchory Business Centre.

Colin Bremner, member at Burnett & Reid LLP, said: “We are excited about the opportunities this merger presents. As a collective of legal firms based in the city, we all have the same goal in our commitment to provide our clients with the highest quality advice and assistance.

“We believe that this merger will bring about numerous benefits to our valued clients and open the door to new clients.

“With a larger team of professionals and expanded resources, we will be able to offer a wider range of expert legal and land management advice to people, businesses and other organisations across the North East.”

Neil Johnston of Gavin Bain & Company added:“We want to take the opportunity to thank our clients for their continued trust and support and we look forward to continuing our relationships and support for many years to come.

“The merger is not just about strength in numbers but about bringing expanded services to our clients. We are delighted to be part of the merger of our three firms.

“We see ourselves as compatible organisations who will combine seamlessly, with a clear communication plan for the coming months that will ensure we continue to provide top-class services to clients old and new. We are very much looking forward to the future.”

Frank Mathers of Taggart Meil Mathers said: “We support people at some of the most stressful moments in their lives, whether that’s purchasing or selling a home, setting up a new business, having to navigate any relationship breakdown or dealing with the winding up of an estate of a loved one who has passed away – some of these moments are happy but some are also extremely trying and difficult.

“We will remain a trusted legal partner with a local presence and look forward to a new outlook as a part of a larger team.