Mr Leckridge is a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society. He joined Aberdein Considine Wealth from Johnston Carmichael Wealth, where he was head of proposition.

He has more than 20 years’ experience in financial services and previous roles include working as a Chartered Financial Planner for Mearns & Co and Carbon Financial, as well as AWD Chase de Vere where he was a Financial Planner.

Aberdein Considine Wealth now has 18 specialist Financial Planners.

Jen Paice, chief executive (wealth), said: “The roots of our business may be in the North East of Scotland but we're ready to bring the benefits of our trusted face-to-face Financial Planning to more people across the country.

“The appointment of Ross and the development of our Financial Planning team in Edinburgh makes this a reality.”

Ross Leckridge said: “I’m excited to bring my experience of the Edinburgh area to build the brand’s reputation in Scotland’s Financial Planning sector. I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running in 2024 and helping the business grow this year and beyond.”

Aberdein Considine was established in Aberdeen more than 40 years ago in 1981. It has offices across Scotland including three in each of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. It also has offices in Perth and Sterling and six in Aberdeenshire, in Banchory, Ellon, Inverurie, Peterhead, Stonehaven and Westhill.

It is one of Scotland's largest independent mortgage and protection brokers, as well as being an estate and leasing agent. It has 30 specialist financial advisers.