Catherine Clarke joins the company, which is one of Scotland’s largest independent firms of chartered surveyors, as the first female director and will play a key role in growing the specialist land division across the central belt of Scotland, focusing on providing development and funding advice to the for-sale and rent, private and social housing market.

With more than 18 years’ experience in the international surveying industry, Catherine has extensive knowledge of the industry on a global scale. She will work with the existing team on residential land and development valuations, red book valuations, investment valuations, pricing study reports and market commentary, across a wide market of developers, private landowners and local authorities (including housing associations).

Prior to moving to Allied Surveyors Scotland, Catherine worked for Colliers International in Dubai where she led a team of 12 and was responsible for the launch of the Colliers International House Price Index (HPI). She has a BSc (Hons) in Estate Management from Napier University, and is a qualified APC Assessor and APC Chairperson.

Commenting on her new role, Catherine, who is based in Edinburgh, said: “After nearly 10 years in Dubai, I decided that it was time to return to Scotland. Allied Surveyors seemed like a natural choice, having started my career with the company in 2004 before emigrating to Dubai in 2006.

“I am looking forward to joining the company and using my knowledge to drive the business forward as we push Scotland’s housing market into an upward trajectory.”

Allied Surveyors Scotland chairman, Grant Robertson, added: “Catherine’s timely appointment coincides with a positive upturn in the Scottish property market reflected by the increasing demand for our surveying services.

“Bringing professional skills, strengths and expertise from her time in Dubai, Catherine will enhance our land offering by expanding our specialist service – an offering we envisage experiencing continued growth throughout 2017.”

Allied Surveyors Scotland has offices across Scotland and provides a complete range of professional property services including residential and commercial property valuations. With a growing staff base of more than 160 employees and 43 directors, the company has an annual turnover of over £12m and a client base comprising estate agents, banks, investors and developers.