Scholes CA acquires RSM UK Lerwick team in Shetland expansion

Scholes Chartered Accountants has announced its acquisition of the Lerwick team of RSM UK in a move that makes it the largest accountancy practice in Shetland.

The deal adds 20 staff, including director Irene Hambleton, and increases Scholes’ headcount by a third. The firm now employs teams across its offices in Kirkwall, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Laurencekirk and Lerwick.

According to director Karen Scholes, the Shetland team would play a key role in the firm’s long-term growth strategy. 

Scholes said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Lerwick team to our growing business and can’t wait to see the opportunities this investment will create for our people, our clients and the firm as a whole.

“The expertise we’ve acquired in Shetland forms a vital part of our long-term thinking. We’re now going to have a team with specialist on-the-ground knowledge that will have a major impact on our clients and our way of working.”

Previously a partner at RSM UK, Hambleton is now director of the Lerwick office under Scholes, and said the move would bring wider opportunities for staff and clients. 

Hableton added: “This transfer of ownership will give the Lerwick office and team the opportunity to grow as part of an organisation that offers diverse services to a complementary client base as a significant part of Scholes CA.

“Reassuringly, for our clients, it remains business as usual. Both the Lerwick office and the wider Scholes business have closely aligned client bases and, most importantly, shared values in relation to client and staff care.”

Founded in Orkney, Scholes CA serves owner-managed and entrepreneurial businesses across Scotland. The acquisition extends its reach further into the Northern Isles, with the firm highlighting potential benefits for Shetland, Orkney and the wider Scottish economy.