It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Callum Anderson McDonald, the former managing partner of Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace (RCCW) and latterly the chief operating officer, who passed away suddenly on Sunday 6th July 2025.

Callum joined Raeburn Christie (later to become RCCW) in 1980 after graduating from Edinburgh University with honours. Before he became the managing partner in 2019, Callum was head of the firm’s commercial property department, where he specialised in the acquisition and development of residential land for national and local house builders and developers. His expertise in this area was widely recognised most notably by his inclusion in the Legal 500.

Over the course of his distinguished career of 45 years at RCCW, he shaped not only the direction of the firm but also the values by which we work. He was more than just someone that we worked with, he had a brilliant legal mind and his sharp intellect was matched only by his remarkable wit, wisdom and unwavering sense of integrity and fairness.

He had clarity of thought and a rare ability to see the bigger picture, he was a trusted advisor to clients and a guiding force to colleagues with a sense of perspective that many of us relied upon. Callum’s legacy is woven into the culture of our firm and into the lives of those lucky enough to have known him.

He was passionate about the law but outside of the office, Callum had many interests. He was a devoted follower of Scottish Rugby and a regular at Six Nations matches at home and abroad. He loved the Scottish hills and was an enthusiastic hill-walker and conqueror of Munros. He also brought the same determination to another one of his passions, quizzes in which his extensive knowledge made him a formidable opponent. This could make him very particular as to who was on his team!

Callum will be missed more that words can express, as a partner, an exceptional leader, and a friend.

We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Fiona, daughters Katie and Sarah and his granddaughter, Autumn and all who mourn this tremendous loss.