Former chairman at law firm loses battle

JACK Robertson, the former chairman of law firm Thorntons, has died after a short battle with cancer. He was 71.

Mr Robertson was born in Dundee and educated at Grove Academy before studying law at Dundee University.

Following an apprenticeship with Gowans Caesar & Brand, he was admitted as a solicitor in 1972 and joined Fergusson, Robertson, Stephen and Norrie. He was made a partner at the firm in 1976.

In 1990, then named Fergusson Robertson & Co, the company amalgamated with Thornton Oliver to become Thorntons.

At that time Thorntons had 29 partners, 150 staff and were based in three locations – Dundee, Arbroath and Forfar.

Mr Robertson became chairman i n 1997 and served in that role for a further 20 years. During this time Thorntons grew to having 58 partners and almost 500 staff across 14 offices in 11 locations.

He retired as a partner in 2017 but continued to be associated with the firm.

Mr Robertson married Fiona in 1976 at Barnhill St Margaret’s Church and they had four children – Linda, Colin, Carolyn and Alison.

He also had many interests including football and golf. As a member of Broughty Ferry YMCA he served as trustee, director and honorary legal adviser. He was session clerk at Barnhill St Margaret’s for more than 20 years and continued to serve as an elder.

He was also an ex deacon of the Cordiners Craft of Dundee and a past chairman of the Association of Ex-Round Tablers’ Clubs (41 Club).

Mr Robertson i s survived by his wife, four children and six grandchildren.

Jack Robertson