A NEW face has joined the team at Rettie and Co.

The firm has announced that Fergus Thomson has been hired as an associate director to head up its offices in Melrose and Berwick, and covering the broader Borders area.

The chartered surveyor – and former professional rubgy player – joins from Davidson and Robertson, where he helped establish its Berwick office.

Thomson captained Scotland A, as well as winning eight caps for the national team, and is still involved in rugby coaching at Duns RFC.

He has a master’s degree in Land Economy, is a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, and is also a fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

Managing director Simon Rettie commented: “We are very pleased to announce that we have a new leader joining us to manage the Melrose and Berwick offices and support the continued growth and strong positions we hold in the respective markets.”

Mr Thomson added: “I am delighted to be joining such a prominent firm like Rettie and Co. and being given the opportunity to expand the rural services within the company can provide from estate management, utilities to renewables to name a few.”