Stuart joins as a consultant for the group’s growing regional team in Edinburgh, led by director Gary Ferris. He will also sit within the firm’s leadership team and contribute to its overall growth strategy.

He spent 35 years with the Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest Group, serving as managing director of real estate finance for Scotland and North England.

Since leaving banking, he has consulted throughout the UK property sector and also holds several non-executive positions.

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“At a time when we are broadening our regional lending hubs and diversifying our product offering, it feels the perfect moment to bring Stuart into Close Brothers,” said Phil Hooper, CEO at Close Brothers Property Finance.

“He will play a leading role in driving the business forward across Scotland and the North of England.”

Stuart added: “Over the last few years I have worked with a number of clients who speak very highly of the solutions that Close Brothers bring to the development funding market.

“I am looking forward to working with Phil and the team to help support a wide range of deals, as we look to grow our regional presence and cement our reputation as the go-to development lender in the market.”