..as housing divisions merge

The Hall & Tawse Social Housing will be merged with Alfred McAlpine's partnership housing division.

"Hall & Tawse is one of the market leaders and this gives us access to its long-term expertise," said Whitehead. "It is a good fit.

"The new Government is very positive about social housing, though I don't suppose it will put a lot of new money in, so it is up to us to find private financial backing."

The McAlpine/Raine merger will lead to one office closure in this division.