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Meet The Team, Landlords, Letting, News, Staff

Meet the Team – Carol Fraser Property Manager

Meet the Team – Carol Fraser Property Manager Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? My role is to ensure that our tenants are safe and happy, and that our landlords feel their properties are being looked after. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The team are so friendly and helpful, and there’s a huge amount of experience to draw on. What is your proudest business achievement/moment? What comes to mind for me, is when I am able to give excellent customer service and help someone who is going through a difficult time. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given? Just focus on one thing at a time… Give us an interesting fact about yourself? I’m good at headstands. What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? To stop being a people pleaser. Who are your heroes inside or outside of business? I don’t really have a specific hero, but someone that comes to mind is an athlete, Tim Marovt who was paralysed and is now running marathons. I’m always inspired when people have a great attitude to overcoming adversity and it’s a good reminder to me to not complain! What qualities do you most admire in others? Honesty, Integrity and fairness. How do you unwind out of work? Training keeps me fit and strong, and I also enjoy hanging out with friends and going for brunch / cooking. Favourite book and film? I recently saw “A man called Otto” – get the tissues out! I don’t have one favourite book – The Time Travellers Wife, 1984 Where is your favourite place in Scotland? Sandwood Bay (so far) – Absolutely stunning


Meet The Team, Staff

Meet the Team – Zoe Simpson – Property Inspector Glasgow

Meet the Team – Zoe Simpson – Property Inspector Glasgow Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? I’m an External agent so I carry out inspections, move outs, deposit returns, meeting tenants, landlords and contractors. Basically anything that involves being out of the office and making sure that our properties are being well looked after and our landlords and tenants are happy. (Sorry that was 2 sentences!) How long have you worked at Cairn? Around 7 years now. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? I love that Cairn is an independent and can change and adapt to conditions. We have the best team who all work well together and are very supportive. The best thing about working in the property industry? Definitely that every day is different so it never gets dull and you get to meet some really interesting people and hear some fascinating stories from them. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? After never having ran in my adult life, last year I decided to do the NHS Couch to 5k programme and I now run a 5k three times a week. If I can do it anyone can so give it a go. Who are your heroes inside and outside of business? Inside of business would be anyone who doesn’t let pressure get on top of them. Outside of business I would say probably Barrack Obama. I’ve just finished reading his book and as well as being (in my opinion) an excellent President during his terms, I think he seems like an all round good guy. One piece of advice you could give your younger self? I think everyone says this but don’t worry about what other people think of you. Aim to be happy and content in yourself and life will be much simpler. What qualities do you most admire in others? Honesty and kindness. Both of these are huge qualities in my book. Where is your favourite place in Scotland? Scotland is such a stunning country, however, you cannot beat the banter in Glasgow! If someone would like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch? zoe.simpson@cairnestateagency.com

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Meet the Team – Fiona Campbell MARLA – HMO Property Inspector

Meet the Team – Fiona Campbell MARLA – HMO Property Inspector Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ?  I am mainly based out with the office, carrying out routine inspections and fire safety training with our HMO tenants. I also deal with move outs, deposit returns, inventories and all sorts in between! How long have you worked at Cairn?  I have been at Cairn for over 5 years now. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn?  The Cairn team… I am lucky to work with a great bunch of people who are passionate about what they do. We have had plenty of good times along the way! The best thing about working in the property industry?  No two days are the same, it’s fast paced and exciting. I get to meet people from all walks of life which can be interesting! Give us an interesting fact about yourself.   I am a big football fan (especially of a certain team in Glasgow!) Sky Sports is always on in my house. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business?  Inside of business, I admire anyone who despite their successes remain humble and down to earth. Outside of business, I would say Louis Theroux – the man is an icon! One piece of advice you could give your younger self. Not to be so worried about what other people think of you… life is short, live it! What qualities do you most admire in others ?  Humility, honesty and compassion go a long way for me Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t ventured any further than Edinburgh – hoping to explore more of Scotland this year! Perhaps I’m biased but for me, you just can’t beat good old Glasgow. If someone who like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch (contact details) – fiona.campbell@cairnletting.com


Meet The Team

Meet the Team – Kerry-Ann French – Accounts Assistant

Meet the Team – Kerry-Ann French – Accounts Assistant Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? My role at Cairn is to process financial transactions, from tenant rent payments to landlord and contractor payments. I support the teams in working towards achieving targets each month and processing all the information that comes with this. How long have you worked at Cairn? I started at Cairn in July 2012 so 10.5 years – more than a third of my life! What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The friendly, dedicated team and the flexibility of home working is great for work life balance, allows me to work around my two young children. The best thing about working in the property industry? Each day is different, they days bring new challenges and an interesting story or two along the way. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? A piece of art I drew is featured in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and has been for many years. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? Inside of business, anyone who aspires to work hard and get the job done, a good work ethic is a great quality.  My hero outside of business is my mum, she inspires me everyday to be the best version of myself and is always there to listen or help when needed. One piece of advice you could give your younger self ? Do not worry what others think about you, do what makes you happy.  Live and let live! What qualities do you most admire in others ? I admire kindness, ambition and a positive attitude in others. Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? Glasgow for sure, such a wonderful city, especially in the summer sun! If someone who like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch (contact details – kerry-ann@cairnletting.com 01412707878

Meet The Team

Meet the Team – Jennifer McGonigle – Sales & Investment Director

Meet the Team – Jennifer McGonigle – Sales & Investment Director What your job entails? Sourcing and selling investment opportunities for UK and overseas clients. Particular focus on HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy) Investments and portfolio management. Managing the Estate Agency divisions in both Edinburgh and Glasgow and adding value to properties for landlords through developments and refurbishments. How long have you worked at Cairn? Coming up 12 years, the roller coaster of trends and changes in the market through those 12 yrs has helped me gain the experience and knowledge of the property market in both sales and letting. What was it about the property industry that made you want to work in it? The property market in Glasgow and Edinburgh is a fantastic sector to work in. Meeting a wide and varied cross section of buyers, sellers, tenants and helping source and secure the right property for the right people at the right time – it’s challenging but I genuinely love what I do. The best thing about working in the property industry? Every day and every property is different and the diversity of our client base is always interesting meeting people from all walks of life. It’s an ever changing market, being adaptable, resourceful and proactive makes the responsibilities both challenging and rewarding. Being a parent myself, I really enjoy working with parent investors, looking for the right accommodation and investment for their family for the short term Uni days and beyond. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The fluidity of the business, and the enthusiasm of the team makes it a dynamic place to be. One piece of advice you’d give your younger self? I think woman (particularly young women) are so critical of themselves – try and not compare yourself and your life to others – hold your head high ! What you like to do in your spare time, interests, hobbies etc? Nutrition and fitness are my main passions, running, challenges, munro bagging, open water swimming, water skiing, anything outdoors and if my little bown mutt can come too it’s a bonus! Not a lot of people know that I… Studied at New York Uni in the 90s which was an “awesome” experience! Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? I try not to hold anyone up on a pedestal. I try and surround myself with positive, enthusiastic, good people, all trying to be the best version of themselves in both business and personally. Where’s your favourite place in Scotland? Caledonia ! where do I start … I can write a book on the beautiful places and experiences I have been lucky enough to have in Scotland. Mountains… lochs… islands…. Coastlines …. Scotland rarely disappoints me.  My home town Portobello is special but if I had to choose my top destination it would be Barra – there is something very magical about the Outer Hebrides.

Meet The Team

Meet the Team – Sally Turnbull cert CIH – Office Branch Manager

Meet the Team – Sally Turnbull Cert CIH – Office Branch Manager Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? As Branch Manager for the Glasgow Office, I oversee all Glasgow based staff dealing with the daily running of the branch and any complicated issues that may arise. What is your proudest business achievement ? My proudest achievement is going from Property Manager to the Glasgow Branch Manager within 2 years of being with Cairn. I knew at this point that I had found the career and company best suited to my skills and who I am as a person. What do you enjoy most about working for Cairn? I really enjoy working for a family run business, I have worked for more corporate companies in the past that do not have the same personal touch that makes you feel like you are part of the team and extremely valued. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? I spent a year living and studying in Spain, I finished my final year of University in the lovely city of Alicante which was one my most treasured memories. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given ? Never doubt your own capabilities. What advice would you give your 18 year old self? It will take time to find the right career and spend more time with family. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business ? My hero outside of business is my nephew Louie as he has brought so much joy into my family’s lives. Inside of business, I admire those that can see the bigger picture, lead by example and encourage others to grow. What qualities do you most admire in others ? I admire those that are thoughtful, hardworking, organised and positive. How do you unwind out of work ? I love to watch MasterChef with my cats, spend quality time with my partner and eat lots! Favourite book/CD/DVD? I don’t tend to read much, although I really should. My favourite film is Man on Fire or Eat Pray Love. Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? My favourite place in Scotland is ‘Mossyard Beach’. I grew up camping here for 2 weeks every year even though it was only 20 minutes away from our house!


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