A New Chapter: Paton & Co and Peter Graham & Associates Join Forces

Paton & Co is pleased to announce a strategic merger with Peter Graham & Associates, creating a stronger, broader business that will operate across the Scottish Borders, Northumberland, the Highlands and North East Scotland.

The merger brings together two highly respected firms with complementary strengths, expanding the services available to clients while maintaining the trusted relationships both businesses have built over many years.

Together, the combined firm will bring a team of more than 20 professionals under the Paton & Co brand, offering expertise across residential property, rural land, estate management and specialist advisory services.

Expanding Services for Clients

The merger reflects growing demand from clients for integrated property and rural advisory services across wider geographies.

For clients in the Borders and Northumberland, this means immediate access to a broader range of expertise, including rural advisory services, lettings, and specialist knowledge in areas such as natural capital and renewable energy.

For clients in the north of Scotland, the merger introduces an enhanced estate agency offering, building on the strong local knowledge and relationships already established through Peter Graham & Associates.

Patrick Paton, Managing Partner of Paton & Co, explains:

This is a natural progression for us. We have built a strong presence in the Borders and Northumberland and this merger allows us to expand that reach while staying true to the way we work.

For our clients, this is about access to a broader range of expertise while continuing to deal with the same trusted people. That continuity is critical, particularly for businesses that value long-term advisory relationships.

A Family Connection

The merger also has a personal dimension. The combined business will bring together three members of the same family, with Patrick Paton and his wife Celia joining forces with her father, Peter Graham, as partners in the business.

Under the new structure, Peter, Patrick and Celia will each become partners in the combined firm. Peter’s shareholding will reduce over time as part of a planned transition, while he continues to play an active role in the business for the years ahead.

This shared family involvement has played an important role in aligning the two businesses, reinforcing a common focus on trust, reputation and long-term client relationships.

Shared Values and Approach

Both firms have been built on similar foundations — providing clear, honest advice and building long-term relationships with clients.

Peter Graham, owner of Peter Graham & Associates, said the merger was carefully considered to ensure those values would continue.

Over the years there have been approaches from larger firms, but their interest has been in our client base rather than the people and relationships that make our team what it is, and that was never something I was prepared to accept.

I wanted to find a way to transition the business that protected those relationships. My clients deserve better than being absorbed into a corporate model where the focus is on fees rather than the individual.

This is about bringing together two businesses with the same ethos. We are not taking anything away – we are adding services and strengthening what we already do.

At its heart, this business has always been built on trust, relationships and giving honest advice, and it was critical to me that continues.

Looking Ahead

The merger allows each business to expand its capabilities without duplicating services, creating a stronger and more flexible offering for clients.

In the short term, the focus will be on integrating the two teams while maintaining continuity for clients. Recruitment is also expected to support future growth across both regions.

Patrick added:

We’re always looking for the right people rather than simply filling roles. This creates a real opportunity for individuals who want to be part of a team that genuinely cares about its clients, takes pride in the advice it gives, and is committed to building expertise over the long term.