Gilson Gray

Local Property Experts

The Cryer sat down with Matthew Gray from Gilson Gray to talk about their property services, their growing team, and his favourite bit about the office in East Lothian – the local community.

It’s quickly clear that Matthew Gray fondly remembers growing up in East Lothian, and still makes swimming and golfing in the area part of his life. Now, as managing director of property services at Gilson Gray, he sees a big part of his role as ensuring the business gives back to the community as a supportive part of East Lothian life. 

For the team, it is a short commute to the office on the High Street, with most living in the area and having chosen to raise their families there. It’s this knowledge and community insight that drives the firm’s approach to business, explains Matthew. 

Rob McGregor, associate director of property sales at Gilson Gray, has been tasked to head up the property team in Gilson Gray’s North Berwick office led by partner, Dorothy Kellas. This move is set to add strength and depth to the team’s property services in East Lothian.

Matthew said: “We aim to support the lives of local people over time and at different stages of their lives, rather than simply a one-off client transaction. We often get to know people through wider family groups, and with Rob’s local knowledge our service will be second to none.” 

What allows Gilson Gray to do this is the fact it is a full-service firm. Matthew said: “In our office, the property team sits next to family and commercial lawyers as well as our private client and financial services teams. This means there is a mix of expertise at our fingertips, allowing us to be efficient for our clients. And whether that is all at once or over the years, our clients enjoy that continuity.” 

East Lothian has always been a popular location to live, and is now more than ever. Matthew says the impact of the pandemic has resulted in more people wishing to move out of Edinburgh with homes in high demand. “In response to this, we have provided further people and resources to the property team in North Berwick, meaning our clients are still able to access in-person expertise without travelling to Edinburgh.”

“Our door is always open for an informal, no-obligation chat.”