Top Scots firm Maclay Murray & Spens has ditched KPMG as its auditor in response to the link up this month of arch rival McGrigor Donald with the big five accountant’s legal arm KLegal.

KPMG has been replaced by Grant Thornton, which had to tender for the position. The decision was made earlier this month and is set to enable the new auditor to command tens of thousands of pounds in fees.