Pinsent Masons Scotland and Northern Ireland chairman Kirk Murdoch has died after a battle with illness, the firm announced today (13 March).

Murdoch, a proud Ayshireman, made partner in 1982 at legacy Scots firm McGrigor Donald. In 1997, he became managing partner of what was by then known as McGrigors, before subsequently moving into the senior partner role in 2002.

In 2009, he oversaw the firm's merger with Northern Irish leader L'Estrange & Brett, and three years later played a pivotal role in the combination with Pinsents, a deal that created a near-£300m firm.

In 2015, Murdoch spoke to Legal Week about how the Scottish legal market has "changed beyond recognition" in recent years. He sat on the Pinsents board until stepping down late last year.

Pinsents senior partner Richard Foley said: "For very many years, Kirk has been a huge influence in our firm. He was a natural leader and his ambition for the firm marked him out as one of the most distinguished lawyers of his generation.

"He had an incredibly positive influence in shaping the careers of so many and we will miss him dreadfully. He was unfailingly courteous and thoughtful and was blessed with a great sense of humour.  So many of us turned to him for wise counsel. We have lost a great friend and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."