MDDC Blog/ News
Spring / Summer 2012 electronic magazine
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March 2012
Securing a mortgage
The dynamics of securing a mortage for the first time have completely changed
READ MORE >>
July 2011
Renewable energy
Whether wind, hydro, or bio-mass, you'll have seen there's a lot of publicity surrounding it at the moment, and with good reason. READ MORE >>
June 2011
Unmarried couples must be aware of lack of rights when buying homes.
Read the full article by Douglas Kinnear
April 2011
Cohabitants Rights- Frequently Asked Questions by Ronnie Murphy
Jan 2011
The VAT rate change in Jan 2011 by Kenneth Gray
On 4th January 2011, all businesses will have to adopt a 20% VAT rate, following 13 months at 15% and 12 months at 17.5%. To assist adjustment to this change we felt it important to let our clients know what was involved READ MORE >>
October 2010
Fife law firm Murray Donald Drummond Cook is cementing its commitment to Cupar.
The firm of Solicitors and Estate Agents, whose roots date back at least 200 years, is embarking on a restructuring exercise within the Bonnygate office which will further develop the firm’s position in the town and its provision of a full legal service to local clients.
One of the key developments is that Bennetts, a respected law firm operating in the town since 1992, has been taken over by Murray Donald Drummond Cook with Robin Bennett taking up a consultancy role within the Bonnygate premises. Robin Bennett will be joined by members of his team, who will also work out of the Cupar office.
Robin Bennett’s arrival brings the total number of solicitors working from the Cupar office to six, including Partner Lynn Melville, who heads up the firm’s private client team, and consultant solicitor Bill Ferrier. Our commercial property team welcomes two new solicitors, Judith Vandecasteele and Allison MacAffer, who will also be based in Cupar.
Heading up the Cupar office, Partner Lynn Melville said, “On behalf of the firm, I would like to extend a warm welcome Robin and his clients who can rest assured that their legal matters will continue to be dealt with to the highest standard. As well as offering continuity to Bennetts’ clients, the move also reinforces and bolsters our commitment to the people and businesses of Cupar and its surrounding area.”
Meanwhile, Robin Bennett added, “I am confident that Bennetts’ clients will be in good hands with Murray Donald Drummond Cook and am delighted to be associated with a firm of this calibre."
For more information, pop into 35 Bonnygate, Cupar, KY15 4BU, telephone 01334 652331 or email mail@mddc.co.uk
FIFE LAW FIRM ANNOUNCES RURAL PROPERTY APPOINTMENT
A rural property expert has joined the new rural team of a Fife law firm.
Gregor Buick will take up the post of associate at Murray Donald Drummond Cook on August 30, working on areas ranging from traditional farming matters to windfarms.
Mr Buick's arrival coincides with a period of growth within the firm. As well as the corporate and IP associate, Alison Stevenson returning from maternity leave, Nicola Gonnella will join from a leading Edinburgh practice.
The firm's new trainee, Caroline Pigott will take up her first seat in private client, bringing the total number of trainees to four.
Mr Buick, who will be based in the firm's Anstruther office, was previously associate with Murray Beith Murray in Edinburgh. Prior to that, he held posts with Robson Mclean, Anderson Strathern, Stronachs and Ledingham Chalmers.
Mr Buick specialises in commercial matters including the sale and purchase of all sizes of rural property, leasing of ground and buildings for landlord and tenant, the sale of land to commercial developers and renewable energy projects of all kinds and all sizes.
He said: "I'm delighted to be joining the firm as it establishes its new rural department.
"I believe that the firm's existing client base and skill set complement my own experience and abilities, and that combination can only bring benefit to both new and existing clients.
"I'm looking forward to meeting whatever challenges rural clients have to offer, and to moving forward with this exciting new department to expand the firm's capabilities in that direction."
John Leith, senior partner, added: "Gregor brings to the firm a wealth of experience of agricultural and rural law and joins Douglas Turner and John Angus in this newly formed dedicated rural department.
"This is an important step for the firm, consolidating its present position in the market and looking to expand.
"It is also a signal by the Partners that, in a difficult economic climate, the firm has the confidence to develop areas of its business where it sees future growth."
STAFF BBQ
The Staff Barbeque and croquet final took place on 2 September. We were treated to a glorious day weather-wise, great company and lots of delicious food. Staff enjoyed putting, giant jenga and sunbathing, as well as the croquet semi-finals and final. Ice creams in the sunshine went down especially well!
FREE LEGAL CLINIC
Every year, we help St Andrews University students by providing a free legal clinic, which runs once a week during term time. This is “Pro Bono” work that we provide, in conjunction with Rollo Davidson Macfarlane. The clinic is staffed by our trainees, under the supervision of private client associate Sue Arrowsmith Rodger. Now that the students are back, this year’s clinic will get under way.