Highland firm celebrates 150 years of community and justice
Innes & Mackay is a cornerstone of the Highlands' legal landscape and this year it celebrates its 150-year anniversary. This milestone reflects the firm’s enduring commitment to the local community.
Two visionary solicitors, Charles Innes and William Mackay, formed the firm in 1874, as they were dedicated to serving the Highlands. Their commitment to supporting local people laid the foundation for the firm’s values that continue to this day.
To celebrate this landmark occasion, it is fitting to reflect on the history and legacy that has shaped it. One of the most momentous events in the firm’s long history involves Charles Innes, and his role in a high-profile case – and the firm’s first documented case - from July 1874.
And who better to tell the story than one of the current trainee solicitors at Innes & Mackay?!
The Bernera Riot
Amy Macleod, a trainee solicitor at the firm - who happens to be from Bernera - was amazed by the connection between her island’s history and her current role at Innes & Mackay.
She said: “My family has lived on Bernera for several generations, and Charles Innes’ name is legendary on the island. There’s even a housing scheme named after him.
“But it was only recently, when researching the 150th anniversary of the Bernera Riot, that I discovered that the Charles Innes I grew up hearing tales of was the same man that founded the law firm where I now work!”
Great Bernera – known simply as Bernera – is a small island off the coast of the Isle of Lewis, home to fewer than 300 residents.
The landmark legal case stemmed from an eviction notice served to 58 crofters on the island by Sir James Matheson, then owner of Lewis, via the Chamberlain of Lewis, Donald Munro.
Amy explained: “Donald Munro was already an unpopular character on Bernera. So, when his men served the eviction notices, the community was understandably outraged at losing their livelihoods.
“Some crofters approached the men serving the notices as they returned to their boat on March 24, 1874, and during the encounter one of the officer’s oilskins was ripped.”
On April 8, crofter Angus Macdonald was arrested while visiting Stornoway for his part in the incident. With Macdonald resisting arrest and subsequently taken to prison, the Riot Act was read as a large crowd gathered.
“When word of Angus Macdonald’s arrest reached Bernera,” continued Amy, “a group of crofters marched 27 miles to Stornoway to demand an audience with Sir James Matheson to voice their protest.
“Angus Macdonald, Norman Macaulay and Iain Macleod then received summonses to appear in court to be charged with the assault of Colin Maclennan, the Sheriff Officer who had served the eviction notices.
“Charles Innes represented the three men on July 17 and 18 – holding his own against the prosecution, when the judge delivered a verdict of not guilty.”
The trial's language was notably dramatic. In his defense, Charles Innes stated: "Oppressed as they are, I, as a stranger, cannot but admire them."
He criticised Munro's actions, highlighting the injustice faced by the Crofters: "If he [the factor] would long ago have licked the dust he has for years made the peasantry of this island swallow."
The jury ultimately found the defendants not guilty, marking a significant victory for the crofters and a turning point in public opinion against the Highland Clearances.
The victory is known in legal circles as the beginning of crofters’ ‘fight back’ after the Highland clearances, leading to the Napier Commission and land reform in Scotland.
To mark the 150th anniversary of the Bernera Riot, Bernera Community Association and Bernera Museum will hold a 17-mile commemorative walk on September 7, 2024 – supported by Innes & Mackay. Following the walk, participants will enjoy a party in the Bernera Community Hall.
Laura Cormack, director of property law and conveyancing at Innes & Mackay, said: “When Amy came to us and told us about the incredible connection between our firm and the Bernera Riot – both celebrating their 150th anniversaries this year – we were amazed.
“It seemed like such a coincidence that someone so involved in the community on the island would end up working at the same firm that represented her fellow islanders all those years ago.
“At Innes & Mackay, we have always held the community in the highest regard – so this story about one of our founding partners standing up for those facing injustice leaves us feeling incredibly proud of our heritage as we look to the future.”
Norma Macleod, chairperson of Bernera Community Association, added: “The Bernera Riot is an important event not just in our community, but in Scottish history. It was the first chance crofters really had to stand up to the establishment following the Highland Clearances, proving that there is strength in standing together against injustice.
“We are looking forward to marking this historic event in September with a walk along the route taken by the crofters to Lewis and are grateful to Innes & Mackay for their support in organising the event and helping to shine a light on this key moment in Scottish history.”
From 1874 to 2024 – A firm for the Highlands, in the Highlands.
Although the firm’s commitment to community and standing up for justice has not changed, there are a few things that have.
When the firm was first formed it was all made up of all men. However, fast forward to today and most of the team are women with Jane Young being the sole director of the firm.
Reflecting on the firm's history, Jane, shared: "When I first started, all the partners were men. I was only the second female solicitor at the firm. Now, we've seen a significant shift, with more women in leadership roles.”
Laura added: “It’s the pattern across the industry, it used to male male-dominated but now it is more female-dominated.”
With a commitment to the region, an innovative approach to recruiting solicitors, and a close-knit team culture, the firm has carved a unique niche in the legal landscape.
Unlike traditional firms, they emphasise finding individuals who share their passion for the Highlands and their dedication to community-oriented service.
Laura explained: "Our recruitment process is designed to identify individuals who are eager to contribute to our community-focused approach."
This innovative path allows for diverse routes into the profession, catering to different life circumstances and educational backgrounds.
"You don't have to follow a single route to become a solicitor," continued Laura.
"There are lots of ways you can do it. I started as a secretary in the conveyancing department.”
Laura worked her way up, qualifying as a paralegal and sitting her examinations for the Law Society of Scotland before qualifying as a solicitor in 2020. Just over a decade after she first joined Innes & Mackay, Laura was appointed a director in 2021.
This flexibility is crucial in attracting talent that might not fit the traditional mold but is nonetheless highly capable and committed.
Amy, who is also taking a similar path to Laura, shared her journey: "I just found that we get so much more experience doing it the way we've done it. I’ve been able to sit in on court, and just get more experience than I would have if I’ve gone down the traditional approach.”
The team has also just hired two new members of staff, with both Sarah Jordan and Alison Foggo joining the firm.
Laura said: “We’ve taken on our first remote worker as trying to recruit people in the Highlands is quite difficult at the moment. Sarah Jordan works just outside of Edinburgh and lectures at the University of Edinburgh and will be doing property law.
“We also have Alison Foggo, who heads up our private client department. Alison previously worked for another Highland based firm. She is very experienced and very well-known for what she does and brings wealth of knowledge with her.”
With 22 members of staff, the team is knowledgeable and has experienced solicitors and estate agents across its services.
Kerry Campbell, practice manager added: “We’re a small firm, but we pack a punch!”
The sense of community within Innes & Mackay extends to its internal team dynamics. Described as a close-knit group, the firm places a strong emphasis on mutual support and collaboration.
"Everybody knows each other very well," said Kerry.
"We work hard, but we also look out for each other. There's a real sense of camaraderie here."
Generations of Service
Innes & Mackay’s long-standing history in the Highlands is a testament to their enduring commitment to the community.
This was recognised recently as it won Gold for Best Estate Agents in Inverness in the prestigious British Property Awards.
"With generations of families as clients and employees, we understand the importance of local ties and community," said Laura.
This continuity has fostered deep trust and loyalty among their clientele. The firm is also passionate about supporting the local community, sponsoring school football teams and many other local causes.
The team also recently supplied sponsorship for t-shirts, for a Leo’s Pride trek, which raised over £10,000 for the Highland baby-loss charity, Held in our Hearts.
Innes & Mackay exemplifies how a deep connection to local culture, combined with innovative practices, can create a thriving and impactful legal practice. Their Highland-focused approach, unique recruitment strategies, and close-knit team culture position them as leaders in the Scottish legal landscape.
As the firm continues to grow, its foundation of respect for heritage and commitment to the community ensures that it will remain a trusted and vital part of the Highlands.
