EDINBURGH firm Gillespie Macandrew has appointed Jennifer Maciver to the newly created role of head of family law.

Ms Maciver, who trained at Burness Paull legacy firm Burness and has held positions at firms including Lindsays and BTO Solicitors, has joined Gillespie Macandrew from Edinburgh-based family boutique Sheehan Kelsey Oswald.

In addition to practising as a solicitor, Ms Maciver acts as an arbitrator for the Family Law Arbitration Group Scotland and is also a lead tutor in family law at Edinburgh University.

At Gillespie Macandrew she will advise on matters such as the financial implications of separation and divorce in addition to issues relating to children, including international matters where urgent, protective or interim orders may be required.

The firm’s chief executive Chris West said that Ms Maciver has “a rich wealth of knowledge and experience in family law matters”.

He added that the family practice forms “a very strong pillar on which to continue to grow the firm”.

Gillespie Macandrew, which in addition to its Edinburgh base has offices in Glasgow and Perth, is known for its expertise in the rural business community, where it advises on land and rural affairs, energy and private client matters.

The firm’s financial year runs to the end of February and in 2015/16 its turnover rose by seven per cent to £10.5 million. At the same time pre-tax profits increased by 21 per cent, from £2.4m to £2.9m.

The firm, which cleared its debt position in November 2015, ended the financial year with £1.3m in the bank.

Its next set of financial results are due to be lodged at Companies House in June.