Specialist "doula" appointment supports new BTO service

BTO Solicitors has announced the appointment of two new members of staff for its Families & Individuals and Residential Property teams.

Solicitor Hilary Peppiette, previously with Allan McDougall, is one of Scotland’s first end-of-life doulas – people who provide support and companionship for those living with a life-limiting illness, and those close to them. Support can be practical, emotional and spiritual if desired. She wrote about her role in the Journal last year.

Ms Peppiette trained for two years with "Living Well Dying Well" to become an end-of-life doula, and also brings extensive experience as a solicitor advising on wills, powers of attorney, end of life planning and executries. She is also a volunteer with Marie Curie Hospice where she is a bereavement support counsellor. She will be based in the Edinburgh office.

Alexander Scott has recently joined BTO’s Edinburgh office, as an estate agent and valuer in the Residential Property team. He has many years’ experience in residential sales and lettings, amd will be tasked with developing an increased estate agency portfolio for BTO in the east.

Lesley Gordon, partner and head of BTO’s Families & Individuals team, commented: "Hilary’s appointment is a first for a law firm in Scotland and we are delighted to be leading the way in this regard. We believe that her extensive experience in assisting people at the end of their lives will be invaluable for our clients and their families.

"Alexander’s role is also new for us as a firm and we hope that his appointment will lead to us further increasing our share of the residential sales market in Edinburgh."