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Meet The Team, Edinburgh, Letting
A Day in the Life at Cairn | Letting Agents in Edinburgh Supporting Landlords
A Day in the Life at Cairn: Inside the Work of Letting Agents in Edinburgh People often ask what a typical day looks like when you work as a New Business Manager at Cairn. The honest answer is that there isn’t really such a thing as a typical day. Working with landlords and properties across Edinburgh means every morning can start a little differently. Some days begin with property visits, others with meetings with landlords who are considering letting their property for the first time. That variety is one of the reasons I have always enjoyed working in the lettings sector. Before I even reach the office, however, there is another role that takes priority. Mum. Mornings in our house are rarely quiet. With two children aged 10 and 11, the day usually begins with the familiar school morning routine. Packed lunches are made, bags are packed and there is often a last minute search for a piece of homework that was finished the night before but seems to have disappeared by morning. Once the school run is complete and everyone is where they need to be, I make my way into the office. The drive into work is often the first quiet moment of the day and it can be surprisingly productive. It gives me time to think about the day ahead, the landlords I am meeting and the properties I am visiting across Edinburgh. Occasionally those thoughts turn into an early phone call to the team. I like to think they appreciate the enthusiasm, although they might not always agree! One of the things I enjoy most about working at Cairn is the variety. No two days are the same and every landlord situation is slightly different. Some mornings I might be meeting a landlord who is considering letting their property and wants guidance on the current Edinburgh rental market. On other days I will be out carrying out rental valuations and advising on what a property could achieve based on local demand and current market conditions. There are also plenty of conversations with existing landlords about their portfolios, their tenants and the next steps for their properties. As letting agents in Edinburgh we spend a lot of time helping landlords understand how the market is moving and what opportunities may exist for them. I have now worked in the property industry for more than 26 years. Saying that probably gives away my age slightly, but it also means I have seen the lettings market evolve in many ways. Even with that experience, property still manages to surprise me from time to time. Every client brings a different situation and every property has its own story. I still enjoy the moments when a landlord asks a question that makes you pause and think. It keeps the job interesting. Once a landlord instructs Cairn to market their property, the part of the job I enjoy most begins. Viewings. Showing people around a property is always fascinating because every prospective tenant is searching for something slightly different. Some are moving to Edinburgh for work, some are relocating within the city and others are looking for a place that simply feels like home. Helping match the right tenants with the right property and landlord is something I take real pride in. When that balance is right it helps create successful tenancies and strong long term relationships. Of course, not every day runs perfectly. Occasionally someone forgets they had a viewing booked or gets delayed and cannot make the appointment. In property, flexibility is essential and these things are part of the job. I usually see it as time gained back to catch up with a landlord, return calls or prepare for the next property visit. A sense of humour also helps. Before long the day begins to wind down and it is time to head home. That means stepping back into my other full time role. Mum again. Evenings are usually filled with football training, swimming lessons, guides, homework and the daily question that most parents hear sooner or later. “What are we having for dinner?” Life can feel busy and occasionally chaotic, but I would not have it any other way. Working as part of a team of letting agents in Edinburgh is not just about properties. It is about people. Whether we are helping a landlord bring a property to the market, advising on rental valuations or supporting tenants as they find their next home, every day brings new conversations and new opportunities to help. After more than two decades in the property industry, that is still what I enjoy most about the job.
Meet The Team, Careers, Edinburgh, Landlords, Letting, News, Property Careers, Property Management, Property Managers, Recruitment, Staff
Meet the team – Ailsa Freeman-Barnes MARLA – Property Manager Edinburgh
Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? With 10 years’ experience, I manage a diverse portfolio across Edinburgh and the Lothians, delivering operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and high service standards for clients and tenants. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The team is what makes this company special, their […]
Meet The Team, Careers, Edinburgh, HMO Properties, Landlords, Portobello, Property Careers, Staff, Switching Letting Agents
Meet the team – Hana Shazaad Rafique – Property Manager – Edinburgh
Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? Acting as the main point of contact for landlords and tenants while ensuring everything runs smoothly. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The variety – no two days are the same, and building relationships with clients, and seeing issues through from start to finish. […]
Meet The Team, Careers, General, Glasgow, HMO licensing, HMO Properties, Legislation, Letting, News, Properties, Property Careers, Property Management, Recruitment, Staff
Meet the team – Amrit Chall – Property Manager
Amrit Chall – Property Manage Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? I ensure properties are ready, compliant, and accurately documented by managing inspections, viewings, and inventory tasks. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The great team, we work together and everyone wants to do their best for clients and tenants. What is your proudest business achievement/moment? My proudest moment is receiving positive feedback from tenants and landlords. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given? Focus on progress not perfection and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? I love going on long walks to clear my mind. What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? Don’t stress too much, work hard and stay positive. Who are your heroes inside or outside of business? My colleagues who are very supportive and my family. What qualities do you most admire in others? People who follow through on their commitments and support the team, How do you unwind out of work? I like getting outdoors, going to the gym and spending time with family & friends. Favourite book and film? Harry Potter. Where is your favourite place in Scotland? The Isle of skye.
Meet The Team, Careers, Estate Agency, Glasgow, Letting, News, Property Careers, Recruitment, Staff
Meet the team – Sarah Stewart – Property Sales Administrator
Sarah Stewart, MARLA Cert CIH Level 3 – Property Sales Administrator Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? I support both the Lettings and Sales teams with various administrative tasks. Each day is unique, bringing different challenges and responsibilities. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? One of the best aspects of working for Cairn is the team’s support, warmth, and friendliness. What is your proudest business achievement/moment? My proudest business achievements must be successfully obtaining both my ARLA and Letwell qualifications. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given? A former manager advised me to prioritise building relationships with my clients rather than just focusing on the figures. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? I am a published author, and I aspire to publish more of my work in the future. What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? Don’t be afraid to start over. Life will present many challenges, but you are more resilient than you realise. You don’t need to have everything figured out in your teens or early twenties, be gentle with yourself. It will all work out in the end! Who are your heroes inside or outside of business? My husband, he has experienced significant loss in his life, yet he continues to face each day with optimism and a smile. He truly is one of a kind! What qualities do you most admire in others? The qualities I admire in others are honesty, empathy, humility, and dependability. We live in a competitive world, and these traits can be hard to find in people. So, when you do encounter them, it’s a wonderful thing. How do you unwind out of work? I enjoy reading, writing, watching TV and films, cooking, listening to music, travelling, attending gigs, and walking my cockapoo, Ollie, in the park. Favourite book and film? I am a huge fan of Anne Rice, and “The Vampire Chronicles” is my favourite book series, though it’s tough to choose just one book as my favourite. In terms of films, my top choice is “Interview with the Vampire,” but I also want to give a special mention to “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and any old classic horror film. Where is your favourite place in Scotland? I’m originally from Ireland, but I have come to call Scotland my home over the last few years. I have been fortunate to travel extensively throughout the country. One of my favourite places is Kirkwall in Orkney, as well as Orkney as a whole. There are so many incredible sights to see, such as Skara Brae and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
Meet The Team, Careers, Glasgow, Investment, Landlords, Property Management, Property Managers, Staff, Uncategorized
Meet the team – Claire Vine – Property Manager
Claire Vine – Property Manager Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? Managing the standard of the flats and tenancy, while supporting and building relationships with the landlords and tenants. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The team are genuinely supportive. What is your proudest business achievement/moment? Being part of a team who kept a property business going through the covid pandemic and lockdowns when a huge percentage of tenants left overnight. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given? Taking the time to meet people face-to-face (tenants, landlords or neighbours) goes a long way. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? I qualified in massage therapy but had to give it up when I developed shoulder issues. What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? Take chances. If it doesn’t work out, you’ll survive. Who are your heroes inside or outside of business? My Mum (2-time Breast Cancer survivor). What qualities do you most admire in others? Honesty, loyalty and a good sense of humour. How do you unwind out of work? Reading, watching movies/TV shows, spending time with friends. Favourite book and film? Books, I’d say the Terry Pratchett Discworld Series (it’s hard to pick a favourite), and Movies is a tough one, probably the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Where is your favourite place in Scotland? Glasgow. It’s home.
Meet The Team, Careers, Glasgow, HMO licensing, HMO Properties, Investment, Landlords, Property Careers, Property Investment, Staff, Student Accommodation
Meet the team – Heather Macmillan
Heather Macmillan Cert CIH Level 3 – Head of HMO & Investment What made you return to Cairn? I missed the strong team ethos, everyone supports one another, and there’s a real sense of genuine friendship amongst the team. At Cairn you feel valued, and I missed being part of such an amazing group of people. Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? As Head of HMO & Investment, my role can be intense, busy, rewarding, no two days are the same, exciting and lots of fun! What is your proudest business achievement ? All my relationships I’ve built up with clients over the years, I know they trust me 100% – it is nice for me to know how much they value our working relationship. How has your industry changed in the last decade ? The lettings industry has changed hugely with the ever-changing legislation, the biggest change being moving from SAT to PRT tenancies. This had a massive impact on the letting of HMO properties as we could no longer set the usual 12 month contracts to begin and end during the summer months for typical ‘HMO season’ Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? I can’t leave the house without checking I’ve turned everything off about three times! What is the best piece of business advice you have been given ? Always be honest, communicate and do not hide behind emails – this is the ethos I live by and always encourage my team to do the same to ensure we provide good customer service at all times. What advice would you give your 18 year old self? Don’t stress over things out-with your control. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business ? My dad is my hero inside business having started several successful businesses, I admire his hard-work and determination to provide for our family. My mum is my hero outside business, she is one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. What qualities do you most admire in others ? Honesty, hardworking, loyalty, team-player. How do you unwind out of work ? Going to the beach to watch the sunset with my dog or if its raining cosy up in front of the fire with the dog and a glass of red! Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? St Andrews or Aviemore
Meet The Team, Careers, Edinburgh, Letting, Property Managers, Staff
Meet the team – Nicola Ainslie – Business Development Branch Manager – Edinburgh
Meet the team – Nicola Ainslie – Business Development Branch Manager – Edinburgh Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? As the Business Development and Edinburgh Branch Manager at Cairn, I oversee operations, drive growth, and build strong relationships to ensure the success of our letting and management services. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The people! From day one, I felt like I had been here for years—a credit to the team’s warm welcome and the company culture that makes coming to work so enjoyable. What is your proudest business achievement/moment? With 27 years in the property industry, I’ve had many proud moments, but stepping into my role at Cairn and feeling like part of the team so quickly is a big one. It’s a testament to finding the right fit in both culture and career. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given? You don’t know it all—listen to those around you, especially those with knowledge and experience. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? I’m a dedicated football mum, and no matter how many games I watch, I’ll never get tired of standing on the sidelines cheering my kids on. What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? You don’t know everything—listen to others, especially your mum! Who are your heroes inside or outside of business? My mum—she always gave great advice (even when I didn’t listen). What qualities do you most admire in others? A positive attitude can be contagious, uplifting and create an environment where innovation thrives. A willingness to learn, improve, and embrace new challenges is essential for long-term success. How do you unwind out of work? Watching my kids play football, spending time with family, and enjoying the friendly football rivalry at home as I support a different club to my husband and kids. Favourite book and film? Even after all these years, Dirty Dancing is still my go-to movie. Where is your favourite place in Scotland? Any football pitch where my kids are playing—that’s where I’m happiest!
Meet The Team, Careers, Glasgow, News, Property Careers, Property Finance, Staff
Meet the Team – Gillian Docherty, Finance Assistant
Meet the Team – Gillian Docherty, Finance Assistant Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? As Finance Assistant, I work alongside the Finance Manager and Finance Director, maintaining accurate tenant and landlord accounts, invoicing and payments. Helping with month end/quarter end and reconciliations. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The Team, everyone is so welcoming, enthusiastic, great to work with and extremely knowledgeable in their field. What is your proudest business achievement/moment? My proudest business moment would probably be achieving my AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, I am keen to progress further and obtain the final Level 4. This was challenging to do whilst working full time with a young child but I did it. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given? Ask for help when needed, you’re not helping anyone by sitting unsure. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? I decided to join a charity Great Wall of China Trek myself in aid of Clic Seargent Cancer. This was daunting for me to do as I didn’t know anyone and travelled across to China myself but I have made friends for life and gained so much from this experience. What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? Stick in and focus, it will help you in years to come Who are your heroes inside or outside of business? Not anyone in particular, but someone who strives to do their best and haspassion in their life. What qualities do you most admire in others? Trust, honesty and a hard worker How do you unwind out of work? Binge watching tv series or spending time with my family and son Favourite book and film? Book: Schindler’s Ark by Thomas Keneally Film: The Labyrinth Where is your favourite place in Scotland? St. Andrews, I love the town’s atmosphere and sea air. The restaurants, bars and cafes along with quirky little gift shops are great too!
