For Peter, who will support partner Alasdair Seaton in Dunfermline, the move fulfils a long-held ambition as his father John was accountant and company secretary at DM Hall for many years and Peter grew up with a comprehensive knowledge of the firm.

He said: “Throughout my career to date, I have been very aware of my father’s important role at DM Hall and his respect for the firm’s core values of professionalism, integrity and dedication to client service.”

Peter, 50, who joined the firm in May, was born in Falkirk but spent most of his life in Dunfermline. He joined the Valuation Office from university and qualified there before joining Shepherd. He opened the Shepherd Dunfermline office in 1997 and has been in situ there until now.

He added: “DM Hall has a substantial share of the market in the local area and my responsibilities will include trying to assist and support Alasdair, who has a number of senior roles within the wider firm.

“Everyone I have met so far has been most welcoming and has spoken highly of my father, who died four years ago. I think he would have been very happy with the whole situation.

“It has been a source of some amusement that my daughter has also recently joined the firm on a part-time basis as an office junior. I just need to get my wife in and it will be a real family concern.”

Alasdair Seaton said: “Everyone in the office is delighted that we have been able to attract a property professional of the calibre of Peter Rasberry. He is very prominent in the local area and his skills and experience will be an invaluable asset to DM Hall.

“It is also very satisfying to be able to create something of a family tradition, since John Rasberry gave sterling service to the firm in his Accountant and Company Secretary role over many years.”