Johnston Carmichael has opened a “new chapter” in its Moray heartland with a move to a new and bigger office in Elgin.

The accountancy firm, which was founded in Moray in 1936, has relocated to start-of-the-art premises in Elgin Business Park and announced the appointment of a new office head in the town.

Scott Dunbar, who is Elgin born and bred, joined the firm in 2008 as a qualified assistant to the financial director before moving up the ranks to financial controllers. Having made the move back to client-facing roles in 2014, he is credited with playing an integral role in building the office.

Mr Dunbar succeeds Craig MacPherson, who is stepping back after 15 years at the helm to focus on his client base and broad role within the organisation.

Johnston Carmichael’s new office in Elgin will be home to 110 members of staff. The modern premises span 7,832 square feet and includes features such as electric vehicle charging points and solar panels. It also includes open-plan and breakout spaces designed to encourage collaboration between its people and clients, with a “dynamic and tech-enabled design allowing the team to enjoy a digital-first approach to business”.

Mr Dunbar said: “Johnston Carmichael has humble roots in Moray, and through great leadership and providing first-class advisory services to our clients, we have become a top player within the UK’s accountancy sector.

“Being born and bred in Elgin and growing up with my family using and trusting Johnston Carmichael, I am honoured to now be appointed as head of office. I will continue to build on the solid foundations laid by Craig and the senior management team, leading the sustainable growth of the firm and helping to inspire the next generation of business advisers.

“As a forward-thinking business, our new Elgin office is a fantastic space for our people with a modern and tech-enabled design. By prioritising our people, we have fostered a great culture, where our team are proud to work.”

Lynne Walker, chief executive of Johnston Carmichael, said: “Scott has consistently shown real leadership qualities, with a proven track record of both providing exemplary advisory services to clients and fostering a positive team culture. His appointment to head of office is testament to this and I’d like to congratulate him on his well-deserved promotion. 

“As a firm, we are sharply focused on reducing our carbon footprint and setting best-in-class ESG (environmental and social governance) standards. The move in Elgin has been designed to align with the needs of our business and people and will importantly help us reduce our impact on the planet with its energy-efficient features.”