Edinburgh public affairs and corporate communications firm Linco, set up by a former adviser to the SNP, has been acquired by UK and Ireland agency, Connect Group.

Founded by Catriona Matheson in 2023, Linco has supported clients such as Uplift, Home Exchange and Future Economy Scotland.

Ms Matheson was head of communications, chief of staff, to the SNP Westminster Leader and, most recently, special adviser to the First Minister.

The senior advisory team at Linco includes Innes Taylor, a former Scottish Conservative adviser and special adviser to the Prime Minister in Downing Street, and James Millar, former political reporter for The Sunday Post.

Andy Sawford, managing partner at Connect Group and a former Labour MP, will offer senior counsel to clients, as part of a cross-party team. Laura Blake, partner and co-owner of the Connect Group, will chair the Linco board. 

Connect has acquired a majority stake in Linco with Ms Matheson retaining a significant shareholding and joining the board. Terms were not disclosed.

As part of the deal, Connect has made a significant investment to support the future growth of Linco, including plans to expand the staff team based at the agency’s Waterloo Place HQ. Linco will retain its brand.

Connect is ranked by fee income as a Top 10 public affairs agency, with £4.6m in fees in 2024. The Group includes Stratagem, Ireland’s leading specialist public affairs agency, which became fully part of the Connect Group in 2019. 

Clients include Toyota, Kellogg’s, Specsavers, ChargeUK, The British Science Association, Prologis, Panattoni and the Local Government Association.

Ms Matheson said: “Linco and Connect formed a strategic partnership six months ago and we are excited to now formally become part of the Connect Group. This gives Linco a platform for growth and hugely enhances Linco and Connect’s offer to clients.” 

Ms Blake added: “In Catriona and Linco we have found the perfect partner to enhance our offer in Scotland and beyond. Catriona and the team have worked at the highest levels of politics and government in both Edinburgh and London and we are delighted to welcome them to the Connect Group.”