In a state over real estate

Open-plan offices have never been flavour of the month, what with the heightened noise levels and decreased privacy they bring.

But not so at Maclay Murray & Spens, it seems. Despite some initial grumblings when the firm announced it was moving into open-plan premises in Edinburgh, the ranks soon perked up when they discovered their new home was to be none other than the Norman Foster-designed 1 Quartermile Square. Particularly as the building has spectacular views over the city's historic castle. Oh, and Greyfriars Bobby's kirkyard.

With space getting more than a little cramped at the firm's Charlotte Square and Glenfinlas Street offices, next week's move into the landmark Lauriston Place site is being hotly anticipated.

So much so that the firm's Edinburgh-based lawyers have taken time out of their busy lawyering schedules to take part in guided tours of the complex. Let's hope the excitement cools down once they're actually in there.

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