Urquharts marks end of an era as last in family retires

A family connection that has lasted 145 years is coming to an end at an Edinburgh legal firm, with the retirement of its senior partner.

Urquharts has been in business since 1876, and the retirement of senior partner Roderick Urquhart marks the end of its long link to the founding family. 

His great-grandfather Andrew Urquhart established the firm after moving to Edinburgh from Aberdeen. In 1911, his son William joined the firm and oversaw its move to become property specialists and its relocation to Heriot Row. In 1952, his son Ronald became the third generation of the family to join the firm – with Roderick joining in 1982.

Despite his retirement the remaining partners have promised there will be no dramatic changes.

Stephen Blane, who will take over as senior partner, explained: "Roderick is the fourth generation of the Urquhart family to be senior partner here and we want to thank him for everything he has done over many years of service. His will be a very well deserved retirement.

"For the past 145 years there has been an Urquhart associated with the firm. A number of people have asked us if this is a chance for us to modernise and shake things up.

"There is absolutely no need for that. We are extremely well prepared for Roderick’s departure and the truth is there won’t be any radical changes. We will very much continue as we are while keeping an eye on what we can do to improve the already high level of personal service that we offer."

The firm has been preparing for the transition for 18 months, having recruited Alison Grandison, a specialist in residential conveyancing, as a partner in April 2020.

Mr Urquhart, who joined the firm in 1982, said: "I’ve enjoyed my time with the firm and I’m incredibly proud of all that we achieved and of the quality of the team who will now take Urquharts forward. There may no longer be an Urquhart in the firm, but I’m delighted that the same values will continue to underpin everything that it does."