HEXHAM solicitor Michael Macgregor has built a big reputation for himself in the industry over the past 30 years.

And his stature in the profession has led to his election as president of the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Law Society for 2015.

Trained in London and starting out as a solicitor in Carlisle in 1985, Mr Macgregor moved to Gibson & Co. Solicitors, in Priestpopple, two years later.

He has remained working there ever since and becomes the third representative from the firm in the past 25 years to become society president, following terms from Tony Gibson in 1989 and Derwent Gibson in 2002. Prior to this, Wilfrid Gibson was president back in 1957.

Mr Macgregor, who runs a farm in the North Tyne on a part-time basis, is hoping to put his term to good use.

He said: “It is an honour to be the president this year because this is the 300th anniversary of the existence of Gibson & Co.

“The firm started in 1715 with the affairs of the Earl of Darwent Water who was executed in 1716. That was our exciting beginnings but it has been dull ever since!

“In all seriousness, I see this role as an opportunity to build bridges between different solicitors, different professions and different communities.

“I would like to unify rivals more and make life easier by strengthening links.“

While Mr Macgregor is enjoying all the responsibilities associated with the role, an engagement in November is something he is particularly looking forward to.

He said: “The high point of the president’s year must always be the annual dinner, when we hope to entertain Matthew Festing, The Prince and Grand Master of the Order of Malta.”