Q&A with Brooks Macdonald CEO, Andrea Montague

As Scone Palace International Horse Trials prepares to welcome competitors and spectators from around the world this August, we sat down with Andrea Montague, CEO of Brooks Macdonald, to discuss why the firm has chosen to partner with our prestigious event, how the collaboration reflects their broader commitment to supporting high performance talent, and why Scotland remains a key region for the company’s long term growth.

Q: What inspired Brooks Macdonald to become the exclusive wealth management partner of Scone Palace International Horse Trials?

Andrea Montague: We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Scone Palace International Horse Trials. It’s an iconic event with deep heritage, quality and top performance, qualities thata ll of which resonate strongly with our own values.

For us, this partnership is about supporting excellence. Eventing is a discipline that demands precision, resilience, partnership and preparation, all qualities that sit at the heart of how we approach working with our clients at Brooks Macdonald. The environment at Scone Palace brings together worldclass competitors and a community that appreciates performance, long term thinking, and dedication. That alignment makes this a natural fit for us.

This is particularly special to me as my daughter and I are both keen riders, and some of our best memories have been made in the saddle together. Especially at the Scone Palace International Horse Trials, the atmosphere is so unique, and the beautiful setting, community, and sheer quality of the competition is amazing.  It’s a place where passion for the sport is felt in every corner of the estate.

Q: Brooks Macdonald has been investing in partnerships across sport, culture, and the arts. How does the Horse Trials complement these initiatives?

Andrea Montague: This partnership builds on the broader strategy we’ve been developing. Through Brooks Sport, we support high performing athletes and professional teams. These relationships give us insight into the mindset required to excel at the highest level: discipline, focus, teamwork, and resilience.

Alongside sport, we’re also proud partners of BAFTA, supporting creative talent, the cultural industries and particularly freelance professionals with unpredictable income streams. The arts play a vital role in shaping our society and enriching our communities.

What unites all these partnerships is our commitment to excellence. Whether in sport, the arts, or professional life, we’re drawn to environments where talent, hard work, and performance come together. The Scone Palace International Horse Trials exemplify that spirit.

Q: Which event during the Horse Trials are you personally most looking forward to?

Andrea Montague: The water jump is always a standout moment for me. It’s a test of precision, courage, and trust between horse and rider, and it’s a real demonstration of the partnership at the heart of eventing. There’s something electric about that moment when they commit to the jump, and the crowd collectively holds its breath. It perfectly captures the excitement and athleticism that make these trials so special.

Q: Why is Scotland such an important region for Brooks Macdonald?

Andrea Montague: Scotland is, and always will be, a vital region for our business. We have a long-standing presence here, and our clients include families, entrepreneurs, professionals, and charities across the country. The talent and innovation emerging from Scotland’s diverse and growing economy are extraordinary. It’s a place I’m proud to call home.

Events like the Scone Palace International Horse Trials bring international attention to Scotland, showcasing the region’s capability, culture, and economic potential. We’re advocates for that visibility. It helps strengthen the region’s profile and brings even more opportunities to the incredible people and businesses who consistently drive growth in Scotland forward.

We’re deeply committed to contributing to Scotland’s future growth not only through the work we do with clients but through partnerships that bring investment, audiences, and energy into the region.

Q: How do you see this partnership growing in the future?

Andrea Montague: We see this very much as the beginning of a long-term relationship. Our aim is to support the event’s ambitions while creating meaningful experiences for competitors, supporters, and the wider community. Whether that’s helping broaden international engagement, deepening support for equestrian talent, or contributing to regional visibility, we want to be part of the event’s evolution.
Ultimately, our hope is that our partnership helps reinforce the prestige of the Scone Palace International Horse Trials and supports Scotland’s position on the global stage, in sport and beyond.

To learn more about Brooks Macdonald, visit www.brooksmacdonald.com