Q&A: Legal firm's community role is crucial
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Macleod and MacCallum support many initiatives and organisations through sponsorship and donations, while being led by joint managing directors Peter Mason and Alison Martin.
Q How would you describe your business?
A Macleod and MacCallum are one of the largest local solicitors and estate agents, covering the Highlands and Islands from offices at Queensgate, Inverness and Portree. Our specialised teams provide a full range of legal and property services.
All types of property work and conveyancing is undertaken by our residential and commercial teams, while our court team deals with separation and divorce, child law, civil disputes, and personal injury claims. Our private client team deals with wills, trusts, estate administration, powers of attorney and guardianship, and our rural land team covers matters relating to crofting and agriculture. We have one of the most established property and lettings teams in the area and can provide financial services and mortgage assistance through our financial arm.
We place a massive emphasis on our role within the local community and support many initiatives and organisations through sponsorship and donations – from local kids’ football teams to charities including Spokes for Folks trikes and Inverness Foodstuffs. We are committed to supporting the city centre and were delighted to win the office of the year award at this year’s Inverness City Centre Awards.
Q What led you into the business?
A Peter: I wanted to be a solicitor from a young age. I graduated from Aberdeen University and then trained and worked with a large firm in Aberdeen before returning to my hometown of Inverness in 1995. I was lucky enough to secure a place with M&M and have stayed with the firm since. My client work has primarily been in property-related matters, while becoming increasingly involved in the firm’s management. Alison and I became joint managing directors in 2016.
Alison: I moved to Inverness from Troon in 1982 and following school went to Aberdeen University. I started with M&M as a trainee solicitor in 1989 – and never left! I was delighted to be given the opportunity to stay here as a qualified solicitor. I also specialise in property work, while dealing with management and being the staff director.
Q What is your greatest achievement?
A From a business perspective, helping see the firm through the Covid pandemic period and come out of it in a strong position. It was a really difficult time for individuals and businesses in March 2020 when the first lockdown arrived, and it took a lot of work and commitment from our teams to get through that.
Q Who do you admire in business?
A Alison: Anyone who runs with an idea or innovation and has the determination to make that work and make a business out of it.
Peter: Peter Jones – known from Dragons’ Den – but it’s easy to forget the hard work that he put in to get where he is – starting at 16 with his first business. He has used his success to set up his own foundation to help younger people develop in business and put something back.
Q What’s your advice to budding entrepreneurs?
A Work hard and treat people fairly. Be honest – everyone makes mistakes, and if you do, own them, put them right and learn from them.
Q Can you tell us more about yourself?
A Peter: Outside of the office I have five children and two dogs and so there is not a lot of free time, although I spend some of it watching Caley Thistle having been a season ticket holder for many years. I trained in martial arts for many years and have limped my way around a few marathons, but the training has slipped – a lot!
Alison: I enjoy working with young people, trying to help them in their careers and developing the young workforce. I am chairwoman of the Highland Solicitors Property Centre and outside work I enjoy the outdoors – running, walking, and spending time with my family and dog.
