Headquartered in Edinburgh and operating across the UK, Galbraith provides services across a range of business sectors, from rural land agency and estate management to residential property, renewable energy, forestry, commercial property management, sales and purchases. 

Matthew Williamson, who joined Galbraith in 2019 following the firm’s merger with rural management specialist Land Factor, has been promoted to partner. He advises clients throughout the north of England on residential, commercial and agricultural tenancies, in-hand farming operations, forestry, access rights and business development.

The following staff have been promoted to senior associate – from the rural team, Hugo Remnant, based in Hexham, Willy Inglis and Lucie Howatson from the Perth office and from Estate Agency Dominic Wedderburn, head of sales for Fife and Angus, based in the Cupar office.

Laurie Cook (Client Accounting), Martin Rennie (Rural), Annie Lane (Rural), Strath Slater (GIS mapping), James Towers (Building Surveying), Jake Shaw-Tan (Estate Agency, Ayr) and Susan Guthrie (Lettings, Scottish Borders) have all been promoted to associate.

Galbraith reported a strong residential sales market in 2020, achieving a 20% increase in sales year-on-year. The forestry and farming sectors continue to perform well, attracting considerable investment, and the firm’s estate management, commercial property and building surveying business streams also grew, as every enterprise and project seeks to limit carbon emissions and work towards net zero.

Iain Russell, chairman of Galbraith, said: “As demonstrated by the round of promotions announced today we are developing talent from within the firm and recognising the continued commitment and professionalism of our employees, which shone very brightly this last year.”

He added: “Despite the ongoing economic uncertainty, we are in a strong position to capitalize on the opportunities available as we recover from the pandemic and also take advantage of new and emerging business sectors.”

Galbraith has also appointed Eleanor Harris to the new role of natural capital and carbon leader. A widely recognised expert in the land use aspects of forestry, carbon and environmental land management Dr Harris will advance the firm’s Natural Capital activities across Scotland and the North of England. 

A number of new and exciting diversification opportunities are emerging from the UK’s commitment to achieving a net-zero economy, the end of the EU subsidy era and growing public concern over climate change and the environment. A sustainable long-term strategy is key to addressing these challenges and unlocking associated opportunities.

All stakeholders including landowners, developers, farmers and utilities and planning authorities have major roles in protecting and restoring natural assets, not only to deliver the economic and social benefits of clean growth, but also to encourage biodiversity. 

Dr Harris will be central to advancing Galbraith’s mission to realise value in all land uses, assessing and measuring natural assets and their contribution to ecosystem services, furthering opportunities in biodiversity net gain, and ensuring stakeholders are rewarded for their investment and contribution to sustainable land management.

“The UK’s net-zero commitment underpins the growing importance of assets such as geology, soil, air, water, food, timber and all forms of wildlife in fighting climate change and safeguarding the environment,” said Eleanor Harris. “I am glad to be joining a team that’s long put concern for the environment into practice and is committed to making the most of new opportunities.”