Clear Group has made its first move into Scotland with the acquisition of Cairn Corporate, a respected general commercial insurance broker based in Kirkcaldy, Fife. The deal marks Clear Group’s first Scottish office and team, and is a significant step in the company’s ongoing UK expansion strategy.
Founded by Robert Young, Cairn Corporate has built a strong reputation for highly personalised service and robust in-house claims support. The business, with annual income approaching £1 million and a dedicated team of eight, has thrived under the leadership of managing director Andrew Watson and chairman Michael Quinn since 2020.
Mike Edgeley, group CEO of Clear Group, described the acquisition as “an exciting milestone for Clear as we expand into Scotland for the first time.” He added, “Cairn Corporate is a highly respected business that we know well and we are confident our shared values and focus on client service will create a strong platform for growth. This acquisition is the first step in our ambitious plans to expand further in Scotland through additional acquisitions and new hires.”
For Cairn Corporate, the move is seen as a strategic opportunity to build on its local reputation while gaining the backing of a larger group. Managing Director Andrew Watson said, “Joining Clear is a great outcome for our clients and our team. It ensures continuity, stability, and access to the scale and resources of a larger group while maintaining the personal service we are known for. We see this as the best platform to grow our presence in Scotland and are excited about the opportunities ahead.”
The Cairn Corporate deal comes amid a busy period for Clear Group’s M&A activity. In the last two months, Clear Group completed the integration of Phelan Caswell Insurances into Clear Insurance Ireland, following an acquisition that also included financial planning assets. This move strengthened Clear’s market reach and operational scale in Ireland, with managing director Mark Phelan and his team joining the group.
These recent acquisitions reflect Clear Group’s strategy of targeted expansion in key regional markets, combining local expertise with the resources of a national intermediary. The group plans to invest further in Scotland, supporting its ambition for continued growth across the UK and Ireland.
