Hugh Bruce-Watt Joins The Duchy Team

Following the retirement of Duchy Solicitor Tim Crow at the end of last month the Duchy of Lancaster is delighted to announce the appointment of Hugh Bruce-Watt as In-House Counsel from 1^st April 2019.

Hugh graduated with a BA in English Literature from Cambridge University in 1980 before going on to study for his law degree at the University of Edinburgh. He qualified as a solicitor in Scotland in 1983 and in England and Wales in 1996. Hugh has worked in commercial property since 1987 and spent 18 years at international law firm Pinsent Masons in both the London and the Edinburgh offices. In 2007 Hugh returned to Edinburgh to head up the firm’s Scottish property team before retiring from private practice in 2017.

Commenting on his appointment, Duchy CEO Nathan Thompson said: “We are delighted that Hugh has agreed to join the Duchy team. His specialist knowledge of commercial property law and extensive experience of asset management, property finance and commercial leasing reflects the breadth and scope of the modern-day Duchy. His forensic knowledge of the law and broader commercial skills will add further value to the team and we look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”

Mr Bruce-Watt is looking forward to the challenge: “Very few organisations combine this wealth of historic tradition with contemporary business and commercial disciplines. Working with the Duchy of Lancaster is therefore a fascinating prospect and I look forward to playing my own small part in helping to shape its future.”

In his new role as In-House Counsel, Hugh will also liaise with the Duchy’s external legal advisers and assist with Duchy appointments and ceremonial duties.