Our Story
In a career spanning three decades, Hastings Legal has grown from a humble firm based in a small Kelso office into a trusted and respected name known across the Scottish Borders and beyond — and through it all, the focus has been to serve our communities with professionalism, attention to detail and care.
The story begins in 1998, when Ron Hastings founded Hastings & Co. in Kelso. After 14 years as a family lawyer with Taits W.S., Ron decided to take the leap and open his own practice. His determination and dedication soon resulted in an ever-growing client base, and he was joined by Alan Livingstone shortly after. Their combined experience in conveyancing and private client work was a winning formula, and their reputation strengthened across the Borders.
Even then, Hastings was looking ahead. At a time when many firms were still relying on print, Ron recognised the potential of the internet and became one of the first solicitor estate agents in the Borders to have a website – another area of the business that has continually developed and improved in line with demand and technology.
Early Days - 1997 to 2007
As the client base grew, expansion beckoned. We soon opened The Property Shop in Kelso — a dedicated estate agency premises at 28 The Square.
By 2007, we were growing further, opening our Selkirk office in the town’s historic Market Place. This new base helped us serve clients throughout central Borders and rural valley and farming communities.
Then came 2008 — a challenging year for everyone in property. When the financial crash hit, we knew we needed to support clients through uncertain times and think differently. Borders Country Lets was launched, a rental and management service designed to help homeowners who needed to move but couldn’t sell. It was a practical, community-driven solution that helped many clients navigate a difficult market.
As the property market recovered, we pushed forward. In 2017, we were proud to take over the Duns office formerly part of Iain Smith & Partners, and soon after, we further strengthened our Berwickshire presence by acquiring Doughtys W.S. in Eyemouth, another well-respected local firm.
This period marked an exciting chapter — one of steady, sustainable growth and continued commitment to our Borders roots. With two well-respected and enthusiastic solicitors in Ricky Hope and Tim Taylor, the founding partners welcomed the pair on board as Directors to steer a new wave of legal clients and lead the team with their continued tenacity and expertise.
Growth & Resilience 2007–2019
Even through challenging times, Hastings Legal has continued to serve our communities. In 2020, we opened our Jedburgh office, bringing our services closer to clients in the heart of the town, and in 2023, we transformed a former art gallery in Coldstream into a welcoming new home for both our estate agency and legal team. The move not only brought a solicitors’ office back to Coldstream for the first time in many years but also created a space that reflects our community spirit and creativity.
From those early days in Kelso to our network of offices across the Borders, our story has always been about people. We’re proud to have built a business that combines modern thinking with traditional values, where clients are treated not as cases or transactions but as part of the Hastings Legal family.
As we look to the future with new Directors and a vibrant team at the helm, we remain committed to investing in our people, supporting our clients, and embracing change — all while holding true to the principles that started it all.
Today & Beyond 2020–Present