Law firm closing after more than a century in business

One of Perthshire’s oldest solicitors is set to close.

Crieff-based Graham and Finlayson is to cease trading after 132 years when its senior partner Robert Bolton plans to retire later this spring, after almost 50 years in practice.

The business has operated out of the same offices at the Strathearn town’s Comrie Street since it was founded in 1885, when Queen Victoria’s reign still had 16 years to run.

As well as partners Robert Bolton and David Smart, Graham and Finlayson employs six administrative staff members who will be made redundant. The firm’s services include estate agency, conveyancing, executry, and wills and inheritance tax planning.

In a joint statement, Mr Bolton and Mr Smart said: “After much discussion between us it has been decided that the firm of Graham and Finlayson will cease trading by the end of May 2017.

“Over the years work in the legal profession has become increasingly complicated and specialised. In order to adapt to these changes legal firms have tended to become larger with specific departments dedicated to providing specialist legal advice.”

Graham and Finlayson was founded by Crieff native Alexander Graham and Malcolm Finlayson, from Blackford, in 1885.

Robert Bolton joined his late father in the firm in the 1960s and became its senior partner in 1972.

Mr Smart, who was appointed a partner in 1991, is set to move to rival legal firm Miller Hendry as an associate when Graham and Finlayson closes its doors for the final time. The partners thanked their clients for their “custom and support”.