Graham and Finlayson has been operating out of the very same offices in Comrie Street, Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland, since it was founded in 1885 - the year the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York. Now senior partner Robert Bolton is to call it a day after almost 50 years as a solicitor As well as Mr Bolton and partner David Smart, Graham and Finlayson’s offices employ six administrative staff. The firm’s services include estate agency, conveyancing, executry, and wills and inheritance tax planning.

Changing legal landscape

The firm will cease trading by the end of May and the partners cited the changing legal landscape and the move to bigger firms as core reasons for the decision. They explained: ‘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.’

Family affair

Mr 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 Miller Hendry as an associate when Graham and Finlayson closes its doors for the final time.