One of the oldest names in Fife business is no more after an incredible 176 years in Dunfermline.
The name of Thomas Blair and Son solicitors has now effectively been consigned to the history books as Lochgelly man Malcolm Slora and his wife Denise start their retirement.
Loyal clients are being transferred the short distance next door as the business merges with Stevenson and Marshall LLP, but Malcolm and Denise’s retiral will see the renowned Thomas Blair and Son name removed from the East Port for the first time since the firm started in 1840.
It is very much a case of mixed emotions for the well-known duo, although Malcolm reckons the many changes in the business over the last few decades means now is the best time to go.
“We’d like to thank all our clients and most importantly our loyal members of staff, past and present, who have worked with us over the years,” said Malcolm.
“We’ve had lots of good ‘happy retirement’ cards given to us in the last few weeks and we can’t thank people enough.
“Things have been changing faster than we can keep up with and the job now isn’t what it was, so we both felt it was the right time.”
Thomas Blair and Son has been operated by the husband and wife team for around 25 years, although Malcolm himself started with the family-run firm 31 years ago in 1985.
He was joined several years later by Denise, whom he met while studying at Dundee University, and the pair have built up a strong reputation with their clients and with the legal community ever since.
Malcolm admitted that the couple are now looking forward to getting some stress-free holidays, having scarcely had proper weeks “off” over the decades.
His position as commercial director at Cowdenbeath Football Club will no doubt keep him busy over the coming weeks.
Malcolm is also the holder of a private pilot’s licence, so he expects to take to the skies a bit more.
The merged firm now has over 30 staff and, from Tuesday November 1, has been trading as Stevenson & Marshal LLP, Solicitors and Estate Agents.
