Meet our Team
MacPhee & Partners is one of the largest legal and property firms in the Highlands and Islands. Established in 1996, we are a young and modern business. We pride ourselves in not just doing things the traditional way, instead tailoring each thing we do – whether it be a legal issue or selling your house – to the individual needs of you, our client, and the circumstances of each case.
Our modern offices are therefore in the heart of both Fort William and Oban, open all day and on Saturday. Our lawyers, estate agents and other legal and property staff are pretty much always on hand. Each of our solicitors are specialists in particular fields as well as having the widest general experience in not only the legal requirements of this part of Scotland, but also the practical realities and issues of the area.
Partners & Directors
Christine Mackay
Christine Mackay
Managing Partner
Areas of Expertise: Commercial Law
Christine grew up in the Highlands and after a 20 year career in the central belt she made the decision to move back into the area with her husband, Angus, a teacher, and their two children. Christine joined the Firm in 2014 and is now a Partner and the head of our Commercial Department.
Christine has acted for a number of Scotland’s largest land developers in the acquisition, development and sale of large-scale housing and mixed residential/commercial sites. She also has significant expertise in relation to the purchase, sale and leasing of industrial and retail developments, the latter for both Landlords and Tenants and in relation to the sale and disposal of hotels and other licensed premises. She has acted for small, locally owned businesses and larger companies alike.
Christine’s years of experience means she is able to provide clients of the Firm with clear and consistent legal advice, having given due consideration to the practical and commercial considerations of a transaction.
Christine is also a member of the Board of West Highland College.
Email Christine at: [email protected]
Claire MacAlpin
Claire MacAlpin
Partner
Areas of Expertise: Family Law, Guardianships & Residential Tenancies
Born and bred in Lochaber, Claire started working with MacPhee and Partners in 2004 and has since risen through the ranks. After obtaining a Paralegal Certificate in Property Law, Claire then completed the Law Society of Scotland’s professional exams in 2012 (law degree equivalent) and a Diploma in Legal Practice (with Distinction) in 2013 at the University of Glasgow.
Claire won Trainee Solicitor of the Year at the Scottish Law Awards in 2014 and qualified as a Solicitor in March 2015. Claire heads up our Family Law Team and also deals with Guardianship applications in the Sheriff Court and all Residential Tenancies.
Claire is also a black belt and former British champion in judo!
Email Claire at: [email protected]
Jeremy Benfield
Jeremy Benfield
Partner
Accredited Specialist in Crofting Law
Jeremy qualified as a Solicitor in Scotland in 2001 and joined the firm that year. He already had a broad legal experience having worked as a Solicitor in England since 1986, where he undertook a wide range of work with an emphasis on civil court cases.
At MacPhee and Partners, Jeremy specialises in crofting law and rural conveyancing including land court applications. His expertise in crofting law was recognised in 2011 when he was accredited by the law society as a crofting law specialist. He undertakes work on behalf of tenants, owner occupiers, landlords and grazing shareholders as well as referrals from other legal firms. His practice encompasses both non contentious work such as croft purchases, renewable schemes, advising on a wide range of regulatory applications including decrofting, assignations, croft registrations and succession planning; as well as contentious work where he represents clients both at hearings before the Crofting Commission and in cases in the Scottish Land Court. He also instructs and works with advocates in complex cases and in appeals to the Court of Session.
In addition to the legal complexities of crofting, Jeremy is also familiar with some of the practical aspect as, together with his wife, he runs the family croft.
Email Jeremy at: [email protected]
Keith Falconer
Keith Falconer
Partner
Keith is the Head of our Residential Conveyancing Department, and has been with the Firm since 2007, having previously been the Area Solicitor with Highland Council and Clerk to the Lochaber Licensing Board. He has many years of experience of domestic and commercial conveyancing and licensing, and now largely deals with domestic and commercial property sale/purchases, and licensing work.
Outside of work, Keith is a keen sailor and active member of Lochaber Yacht Club. When not afloat he is usually to been seen playing some kind of musical instrument including the French Horn and Trumpet in Lochaber Community Wind Band, the Great Glen Swing Band or the local Baptist Church Band.
Email Keith at: [email protected]
Katie Lamont
Katie Lamont
Director of Property
Area of Expertise: Estate Agency
Katie oversees the whole of MacPhee & Partners’ Estate Agency business across Argyll and Lochaber. Katie joined MacPhee & Partners as an Estate Agent in 2007 after several years in Glasgow, during which she gained a Marketing Degree. Coming from a remote village on the Ardnamurchan peninsula has given Katie a unique insight into the rural property market. She has quickly risen to become one of the leading experts and operators in the West Highland residential property market.
Email Katie at:
[email protected]
Billie Kirkham
Billie Kirkham
Partner
Areas of Expertise: Family Law & Private Client
Billie grew up in Oban. She attended the Universities of Aberdeen and Edinburgh to complete her Law degree and Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. Upon graduating from the Diploma, Billie returned to her hometown of Oban to pursue her career. Billie qualified as a solicitor in July 2017, focusing on Private Client, Civil Court and Family Law. She is now a Partner of the Firm, heading up our Oban office.
Outside of work, Billie sits as a Director on the Board of Family Mediation, Argyll & Bute. She was previously on the Board of Governors of Argyll College but relinquished that role to take up a lecturing position with the College, teaching Legal Studies a few hours each week. As an advocate for the beauty of the work/life balance which comes with rural living, Billie is passionate about the development of opportunities in education and training for individuals within Argyll and Bute.
If she’s not in the office or classroom and not in a Board meeting, you’ll find her at home, stuck into some DIY, or out with her dogs, walking the hills and beaches.
Email Billie at: [email protected]
Craig Murray
Craig Murray
Partner
Areas of Expertise: Private Client and Property Law
Craig grew up in Ayr and Edinburgh, before attending University in Aberdeen. Following qualifying as a solicitor, he worked in Aberdeen and, briefly, Wick before moving to Fort William in 1997 where he worked at MacArthur Stewart, laterally as a Partner, until the firm merged with MacPhee & Partners in June 2022. Craig has experience across a broad range of property, executry and private client matters, and is well placed to guide clients through the complexities of such.
He is married to Ishbel and has 3 children. Outside of work, Craig is an active member and Elder at Kilmallie Free Church. He is also a keen cyclist (in all weathers) and skier (when weather permits).
Email Craig at: [email protected]
Solicitors, Paralegals & Trainees
Louise Pescod
Louise Pescod
Solicitor
Originally from Aberdeenshire, Louise studied at Dundee and began her legal career with MacArthur Stewart. She completed her traineeship in the firm’s Oban office before relocating to their Fort William office when she met her husband.
Having taken a break from her career to raise her children, Louise has recently returned to the legal profession and is based in our Private Client department, focusing on Wills, Powers of Attorney and Executries. She brings professional and life experience to provide a practical, compassionate and client-focused approach to her work.
Outside the office, Louise enjoys music and singing, keeping fit, catching up with friends, and unwinding with a good box set.
Email Louise at: [email protected]
Katie MacDonald
Katie MacDonald
Trainee Solicitor
Originally from Ayrshire, Katie gained her BA in Scots Law at the University of the West of Scotland before moving on to gain her LLB and Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Strathclyde. During her studies, Katie worked in various jobs ranging from a landscape gardener and waitress, to an office junior in a solicitors firm in Paisley, and was a keen member of the British Army Officer Training Corps before joining the Royal Logistics Corps. She joined the Firm part-time in May 2022 for work experience and is now a trainee solicitor in our Conveyancing department.
When not in the office, she can be found either in the gym or socialising with friends and family!
Lucy Hallett
Lucy Hallett
Paralegal
Lucy left Lochgilphead High school at the age of 16 having been accepted to study a diploma in equine studies at Bishop Burton College. Lucy and her 2 sisters had been involved with horses from a very young age and enjoyed all aspects of the equine industry and regularly competed in Pony Club area team competitions all over Scotland.
Having completed the course, Lucy then went in to the equine industry, working and competing all over the UK where she obtained her teaching qualification at Gleneagles Equestrian Centre where she then became a coach for all levels of riding for a further 4 years. It was then that Lucy decided to widen her equine knowledge and head back to Bishop Burton College to Study an HND in Equine Science and business Studies and take the middle year as a work placement in New Zealand working as an Olympic Groom for one of the top riders in New Zealand.
After completing her HND, Lucy was then asked to stay on at College as a lecturer and went on to complete her Post graduate certificate in Education teaching 16–19-year old for 4 years. It was then Lucy suffered a fall and was unable to carry on teaching and riding and her career halted. Lucy found herself working in and Estate agency whilst recovering from her injuries. Lucy soon realised that buying and selling properties was a job that she was good at and enjoyed. Lucy quickly rose through the ranks and became manager of a branch within in 2 years. Lucy made the move back to her home town of Lochgilphead to be closer to her family and found a job in a local estate agent managing the newly formed estate agency, managing properties all over Argyll and Bute and a small team of sales agents. After 5 years in the estate agency industry, Lucy had made new contacts including, her now colleagues at MacPhee and Partners who helped her find her interest in residential conveyancing.
Lucy started working at MacPhee and Partners in 2023 and has completed her Paralegal qualification and is currently studying to be an Accredited Paralegal. Lucy thoroughly enjoys the office life and the everyday learning opportunities that comes with the job. Lucy lives in Oban with her little dog, Ted who is a regular in the office. Lucy still teaches horse riding in her spare time for the local pony club enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Email Lucy at: [email protected]
Corrie Johnson
Corrie Johnson
Solicitor
Corrie obtained his law degree, as part of an accelerated graduate programme, at the University of Stirling having previously graduated with BA Honours in Criminology and Law. He then broadened his horizons by studying for the Diploma of Legal Practice at Glasgow University and joined the Firm as a Trainee solicitor in January 2022.
Corrie initially started his traineeship in the firm’s Family Department before moving to the Conveyancing Department. He fully qualified in January 2024 and is now a valued member of the Conveyancing team – dealing with mainly domestic conveyancing involving houses and plots of land.
As part of his wider skill set, he is a qualified first aider and lifeguard.
When not at work Corrie is often to be found enjoying the many and varied hills in the Lochaber area, being a keen hill walker.
Email Corrie at: [email protected]
Franchesca Smith
Franchesca Smith
Solicitor
Born and raised in Fort William, Franchesca moved to Stirling in 2015 to undertake her initial studies. Franchesca also spent a period working and traveling across America, before moving to Australia for a year, following the completion of her first degree.
On her return home, Franchesca continued her studies, obtaining her Law Degree, from Strathclyde University, and her Diploma in Legal Practice from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Currently, Franchesca is situated within our Private Client department.
Franchesca is a keen cook and, when not at work, can usually be found in the kitchen trying out new recipes, or socialising with family and friends!
Email Franchesca at: [email protected]
Heather MacArthur
Heather MacArthur
Senior Associate Solicitor
MacPhee & Partners Solicitors and Estate Agents are delighted to offer our services on the picturesque island of Tiree.
As the leading West Highland Estate Agents and Solicitors, MacPhee & Partners understand the requirements and needs of their clients in more remote areas. The Tiree office will work together with our existing Oban and Fort William offices to deliver an “on the door” service for the Islanders. Our large team of legal and property professionals provide expertise on Property Sales and Estate Agency, Conveyancing, Family law, Crofting and Agriculture, Business and Commercial law, Employment and Wills and Executry law.
Who better to run the Tiree office than native, Heather MacArthur, Senior Associate! Heather has a wealth of legal knowledge, but more importantly Island experience. After studying and working in Glasgow for a number of years, it was always Heather’s ambition to return home to raise her young family, as well as bring her legal skills to the community.
Heather can be contacted at:
Land Line: 01631 562308
Email: [email protected]
Mairi Hendrie
Mairi Hendrie
Legal Assistant
Areas of expertise: Wills and Executries
Mairi is a MacPhee & Partners institution! She has been with the firm since its founding in 1996.
Mairi administers the numerous wills and executries that the firm deals with each year. Always understanding and sympathetic to what are often difficult times for families, Mairi supports the solicitors in the writing of wills, trusts and estate planning, and deals with the practicalities of winding up of estates.
Beyond MacPhees, Mairi and her family are leading stalwarts of Lochaber Rugby Club!
E-mail Mairi at: [email protected]
Fiona Anderson
Fiona Anderson
Associate
Fiona joined the Firm in 2014, and in 2019 her hard work was recognised at the Scottish Legal Awards, where she was awarded Paralegal of the Year! Fiona has a broad experience of property transactions, covering commercial, residential and crofting matters. She has also been involved in many renewable energy projects and the project financing of renewable energy deals. Fiona has acted for, amongst others, developers, landowners and funders and, with over 20 years’ experience, is very capable in carrying out property due diligence. Fiona also has significant experience in acting for financial institutions and insolvency practitioners and in dealing with the acquisition and sale of residential, commercial and rural properties. Fiona provides pragmatic and solution driven advice. She has an excellent understanding of clients’ expectations who appreciate her enthusiastic and approachable manner.
Outside of the office, Fiona sits on the Committee of the Local MacMillan charity.
E-mail Fiona at: [email protected]
Morven Culbertson
Morven Culbertson
Paralegal
Morven was born and brought up in Fort William. Having lived in Edinburgh for a number of years working for large law firms, where she obtained her Paralegal qualification, she returned to “home” to the Fort. She was a senior member of our Conveyancing Department, however has recently moved to our Private Client Department and is currently studying for a Specialist Paralegal qualification in Wills, Trusts & Executries.
In her spare time Morven enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
E-mail Morven at: [email protected]
Sandi Kerr
Sandi Kerr
Paralegal
Sandi has lived in Fort William all her life and she joined MacPhee and Partners when she was just 17 years old. At this time, she worked alongside Rosemary MacPhee in our Conveyancing Department but later went on to assist in our Court Department.
Sandi qualified as a Family Law Paralegal in 2010 and now assists Claire MacAlpin – the Head of our Family Law Department – with all her cases, from initial instruction through to completion. Sandi is often the first point of contact for clients and, with her years of experience, offers a knowledgeable and understanding ear.
Outside of work, Sandi enjoys spending quality time with her children, Jude and Lana and her family and friends, going to the gym and is partial to a wee prosecco!
Email Sandi at: [email protected]
Angelina Kennedy
Angelina Kennedy
Paralegal
Born and brought up in Fort William. Angie is married and has 3 children.
Angie has worked in legal firms in Scotland and Republic of Ireland since she was 17 and started with MacPhee & Partners in 2017. Angie began her studies to become a Paralegal in 2022, and qualified earlier this year. Angie assists Christine Mackay in our commercial department, and Keith Falconer in our residential conveyancing department.
Angie loves being out on one of her many bikes, running in the hills or in the gym when she has spare time.
Email Angelina at: [email protected]
Estate Agents
Fiona MacFarlane
Fiona MacFarlane
Estate Agent
Fiona joined the team in 2014, bringing with her a many years of experience in customer service and sales. Originally from Onich and now living in Spean Bridge, her local knowledge and friendly manner have made a very positive impact in our Fort William office where she has quickly grasped the high demands the role requires. Her ability to instantly put clients at ease and understand their needs is a major strength, whilst an interest in design and photography is invaluable when creating our high quality sales literature.
Contact Fiona on:
01397 702200 or 01631 565251
Ally Gray
Ally Gray
Estate Agency Administrator
Ally was born and brought up just outside of Fort William and joined MacPhee & Partners in November 2024 as part of the Estate Agency team. After leaving school, she completed a Business and Marketing Apprenticeship, which has been a great foundation for her current role.
Ally really enjoys her role and takes pride in dealing with property sales in a friendly and approachable manner. She brings enthusiasm, local knowledge, and a genuine passion for helping clients through every step of the process.
Outside of the office, Ally loves making the most of the west coast and taking her Miniature Dachshund, Spey on adventures to some of her favourite local spots. When she’s not out for coffee, she enjoys socialising and listening to her favourite country music.
Contact Ally on:
01397 702200 or 01631 565251
