Housebuilder Strengthens Team

Manorlane, the prestigious Scottish housebuilder, has strengthened its team with the appointments of Barry McKeown as Land Director and Craig Smith as Construction Director.

A fully-qualified solicitor, Barry has more than 10 years' experience in real estate with expertise in residential development, joint ventures and financing, latterly with DLA Piper Scotland. Barry will work closely with Chief Executive Elliot Robertson, managing and growing Manorlane's existing land bank.

Craig is a qualified civil engineer and a former project manager with Robertson Construction with 10 years' experience, including managing a number of large PFI projects, such as Aberdeen Schools, and Scottish National Heritage's new £12m offices in Inverness. In his new role with Manorlane, Craig will oversee the construction of new residential developments.


Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive, Manorlane, said: "The appointments of Barry and Craig bring expert knowledge and a wealth of experience in the commercial and residential property sectors.

"Barry's understanding of the legal challenges facing the housing and construction industries is a huge boon for the company while Craig's construction experience will prove invaluable as Manorlane creates more new communities throughout Scotland."

While with DLA Piper Scotland, Barry was responsible for some of the firm's top clients, handling all aspects of real estate deals throughout Scotland, with a focus on residential developments.

Prior to that Barry spent seven years with top Scottish law firm McGrigors where he started as an assistant on the property development team and worked his way up to Director, leading his own commercial and residential property team. Barry trained at Biggart Baillie and is a member of the Law Society of Scotland.

Barry said: "I am delighted to be appointed as Land Director with Manorlane. Elliot has established an exciting, vibrant and dynamic brand which is going from strength to strength. I aim to add to Elliot's shrewd land acquisitions to establish more Manorlane communities throughout the Central Belt."

Craig said: "I am very proud to be part of the Manorlane team and look forward to helping the company build upon its success and deliver top-quality homes."

(CD)