About US
For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of Scotland’s creative industry.
Based in Dundee, we started life as Baillie Marshall and we’ve grown to become one of Scotland’s largest creative agencies. In 1987 we evolved into Avian, expanding our services to include cutting-edge website and app development. In 2014, we acquired Blue Square Design, and created Blue2, a powerhouse of digital expertise that helped the group continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital and communication.
Our journey of growth didn’t stop there. In 2019, we set up Kolabo our R&D and digital innovations company, and in 2020, we acquired Ginger PR a move that brought public & media relations and content development expertise into our team. Later that year, we formed the ALTAR Group, an umbrella company for our trading brands. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, combining decades of experience with a renewed focus on delivering integrated solutions across brand, digital, and communications. With strong consultative expertise, we have consistently delivered exceptional work for clients across Scotland, the UK and beyond, cementing our reputation as a leader in our industry.
In 2022 we proudly transitioned to become an Employee Owned Business and in 2024 our evolution was complete as we became a single entity Altar. This is a brand that reflects our legacy, our values, and our unwavering commitment to service and excellence.
Throughout our history we have built our business on the values of being bold, respectful, accountable, and supportive. These principles are at the heart of everything we do, driving us to exceed our clients’ expectations and helping us forge lasting partnerships that deliver results.
Together we evolve.
Awards
2024 Great Place to Work (52nd, UK)
2024 Best Workplaces – Advertising Marketing & Media (3rd)
2024 Best Workplaces – Wellbeing
2024 Best Workplaces – Development
2024 Best Workplaces – For Women
2024 Courier Business Awards Finalist
2023 Courier Business Awards Finalist
2022 PRide Awards Gold Winner
2022 Scottish Design Awards Commendation
2022 Courier Business Awards Commendation
2022 Scottish Design Awards Finalists
2022 Herald Digital Transformations Finalist
2022 Future Workplace Champions
2019 Herald Digital Business Awards Winners
2016 Herald Digital Business Awards Finalists
2015 Courier Business Award Winners
2015 DADI Awards Finalists
2014 Herald Digital Business Awards Winners
2012 Herald Digital Business Award Winners
2012 Scottish Thistle Awards Winners
2011 UK Event Awards Winners
2011 Scottish Creative Awards Winners
2010 DADI Awards Finalist
Our Values
We are accountable
We strive for excellence and are dedicated in driving Altar and each other forward.
We are respectful
We treat everyone with professionalism. We act with integrity, building honest relationships.
We are supportive
We are there for each other and our clients. We help each other, and the company to reach our potential.
We are bold
We are passionate and innovative. We use our drive and commitment to engage and inspire others, challenging the status quo and finding new ways to grow.
We celebrate
We celebrate our collective and individual achievements. We come together to appreciate individuals, or achievements.
