Machray joins Clydesdale Bank as local chairman

25/06/07

In a major coup for Clydesdale Bank Patrick Machray former chief executive of Johnston Carmichael has joined as chairman of the bank's Thainstone Financial Solutions Centre (FSC), which specialises in the provision of banking services to the rural and commercial sectors in Aberdeenshire and Angus.

Mr Machray who is the first chairman of the bank's facility in Thainstone will play a key role in the bank's future growth strategy in the Thainstone area. He will work closely with managing partner Iain Clark who leads a team of 36 commercial and private banking specialists.

Commenting on his appointment Pat Machray said: "Clydesdale Bank has a proud tradition of supporting Scotland's rural communities and I am delighted to be able to play a part. With a truly local focus combined with local decision-making, we are best placed to understand and respond to the needs of businesses throughout the region. I look forward to working with Iain and his team to deliver real value to current and future clients"

During a career spanning over 35 years with Johnson Carmichael, including the last 15 as Chief Executive, Mr Machray was instrumental in growing the company into Scotland's leading independent accountancy practice and one of the top 25 firms in the UK. Mr Machray also has extensive experience of farming, owning a prize-winning flock of Suffolk Sheep.

Iain Clark managing partner in Thainstone said: "Since we opened our office in 2006 we have proved extremely popular clients. With first hand experience of agriculture Patrick will bring a new dimension to the support and advice we can provide to farmers and rural businesses across the region"

Clydesdale Bank's appointment of local chairmen to its FSC network is unique in UK banking. The chairmen undertake a variety of roles from business development, to providing advice to clients and acting as business mentors to senior FSC staff.