Patience and Buchan’s two partners, Lorna Buchan and Ashley Simpson, and four employees will transfer to the merged firm, which will be known as Thorntons, on 1 October.

When Patience and Buchan join with Thorntons, the firm’s total number of employees will rise to more than 580, and a partnership of 79.

Lesley Larg, managing partner, Thorntons, said: “Aberdeen has been an area of interest to us for a considerable amount of time, but it was essential that we found the right people to partner with before entering the marketplace.

“With its focus on providing high-quality, personal services, Patience and Buchan really stood out for us, and its growth ambitions perfectly complement our own commercial outlook. Joining with its team will create an outstanding base to build our full-service offering in Aberdeen and enhance legal services locally.

“Our rich sector expertise in energy, technology, food and drink and property is well matched to the region, while our extensive private client services equip us to support individuals and families through every stage of life.

“We look forward to forging longstanding relationships in the Aberdeen community and welcoming our new colleagues to the business. Importantly, Patience and Buchan’s clients will continue to receive the outstanding service which brought us together with the firm’s brilliant team.”

Lorna Buchan, partner, Patience and Buchan, said: “Thorntons is one of Scotland’s most respected and successful independent law firms in Scotland with a first-class family law team headed up by Ruth Croman, and a deep commitment to a client-first approach.

“We thought long and hard about our future with the firm. Over the course of many conversations, we realised we had found a partner that shared our culture and ambitions, and which would value our people and clients in the same way we do. These relationships are central to our success, and it was clear from the outset that Thorntons is equally dedicated to nurturing talent as well as having an unwavering commitment to do right by clients.”