A DUO of young chartered surveyors are celebrating qualifying as Fellows of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers – two of only seven in Scotland to qualify this year.

Kirsten Tait and Murray Philp both joined Davidson and Robertson as graduate surveyors. Originally from Orkney, Kirsten graduated with an Honours Degree in Rural Business Management from the SRUC in 2014. Following a period of travel, she gained experience working at the Department of Agriculture in Orkney before joining D and R in September 2016 as a Graduate Surveyor.

D and R encouraged Kirsten to complete extra modules with the SRUC whilst at work, enabling her to top up her qualification to gain a RICS accredited degree in 2017. Now based in the firm's Edinburgh office, Kirsten enjoys planning and development work as well as getting involved in farm valuations and sales. She is also working on a utilities project that will power Orkney, often travelling home to represent fellow islanders.

Murray grew up in rural East Ayrshire, then moved to Aberdeen where he completed a master’s degree in Land Economy (Rural Surveying and Rural Property Management) in 2015.

After joining D and R, he spent nearly two years working in their Cockermouth office. In summer 2017, he moved to the Forfar office and also qualified as a MRICS Chartered Surveyor. He enjoys the variety that his professional consultancy role provides – from valuations and sales to supporting clients with forestry interests. Most recently, he achieved the Level 6 Award in Residential Letting and Property Management (Scotland).

Managing director Martin Hall said “We’re delighted to congratulate Kirsten and Murray on their latest qualifications. We are always keen to nurture home grown talent and we have a steady stream of graduates following a similar path. It’s something we actively encourage – it demonstrates commitment to our staff and creates opportunity for them to grow – and it benefits our clients and our industry too.”