Scottish advisory firm expands into London and hires staff

The Herald Scotland

25-04-2025

It marks a 'significant milestone' for the full-service strategic communications, public affairs and marketing firm, and is backed by a series of senior appointments that 'significantly strengthen' its advisory team.
The firm said establishing a permanent presence in London will allow it to offer on-the-ground support for clients navigating policy and regulatory priorities that are the responsibility of the UK Parliament.
The new London operation will be led by senior advisor, Andrew Liddle, a former Labour Party advisor who has relocated from Edinburgh.
Replacing him in the Scottish capital is Calum Ross, who joins True North as a senior advisor.
Mr Ross spent 15 years covering Scottish and UK current affairs for the Press & Journal, including four years as a lobby journalist at Westminster, before joining the Scotsman, where he has spent the past two years as education correspondent.
Also joining the firm is Geri Mulvany, who becomes a creative advisor within its content studio, based in Aberdeen.
Ms Mulvany brings a wealth of experience in brand storytelling and campaign development, most recently as head of design at a North-east creative agency.
The expansion coincides with the launch of the new True North Advisors website – truenorth.scot – which it said reflects the scale, ambition and expertise of the business.
True North Advisors is led by managing partners Geoff Aberdein and Fergus Mutch, alongside senior partner Ryan Crighton. Together, they bring 'decades of experience at the highest levels of business, media and politics'.
The firm said it is particularly known for its work in energy, inward investment, education, financial services, food and drink, housing and the third sector, but its influence 'extends across a broad range of industries where powerful storytelling meets strategic thinking'.
Mr Aberdein is a former chief of staff to the First Minister of Scotland and global head of external affairs at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Mr Mutch previously served as head of communications and research for the SNP, and Mr Crighton is an award-winning business journalist with over a decade of marketing experience.
Mr Aberdein said: 'True North's approach centres around employing talented individuals who use proven expertise in their careers to date to provide our clients the very best in strategic advice. Calum and Geri bring huge experience and sharp insight that will add real value for the growing range of businesses and organisations we work with.
'Establishing a permanent presence in London is a bold and necessary step for the company. Andrew's relocation means we're now perfectly placed to serve organisations that need to be heard at both Holyrood and Westminster.'
Mr Ross said: 'After nearly two decades in journalism, I'm excited to start this new chapter with True North Advisors. I've spent my career telling stories that matter and now I'm looking forward to helping clients navigate their communications priorities with clarity and purpose.'
Ms Mulvany said: 'True North's mix of strategic thinking and creative energy is what drew me to join its Content Studio. I'm passionate about helping organisations find their voice and tell their story in ways that connect, persuade and inspire.'
The two new appointments add to a team which includes former MP Eilidh Whiteford, energy expert and former Energy Voice editor Allister Thomas, and marketers Andrew Taylor and Cody Mowbray.
True North is chaired by Martin Gilbert, one of Scotland's most respected business figures and co-founder of Aberdeen Asset Management.
Airline increases transatlantic service from Edinburgh to Washington
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It already flies between the two cities daily during the summer season and it will become a five-time a week flight from October 26 until January 5, 2026 before resuming again on February 20 next year.
The daily service will return on March 29, 2026 and it means there is a 10% increase in the number of seats available on flights between the Scottish capital and its American counterpart.
It is the latest increase from United Airlines, who are also operating year-round flights from Edinburgh to New York/Newark which have doubled from once to twice daily during peak summer season, as well as a daily seasonal service between Edinburgh and Chicago O'Hare.
Scotland's only Lacoste store reopens after major refit
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The Lacoste store at Livingston Designer Outlet opened its doors earlier this month after a significant refit.
Shoppers are invited to explore the newly outfitted outlet, which boasts a wider range of clothing, accessories, and footwear.
Bosses at the retail park say the new store "pays homage to the French brand's iconic heritage while blending a bold and contemporary twist".