Meet the Albany Lettings Team | Edinburgh Letting Agents
Meet the Team Behind Albany Lettings, Edinburgh
When you rent or let a property, most of the stress doesn’t come from the property itself. It comes from uncertainty.
Who do I speak to?
Will this be dealt with correctly?
Is someone actually paying attention?
At Albany Lettings, we believe good tenancy management starts with people who take responsibility, communicate clearly and follow things through properly.
That is why we think it is important you know who you are dealing with.
Below, you’ll meet the team behind Albany Lettings. The people who market properties, manage tenancies, solve problems and keep homes running smoothly day to day.
Each profile explains their role, how they work and what matters to them when it comes to managing homes and tenancies properly.
Branch Leadership
Andrew Williamson – Branch Manager
As Branch Manager, Andrew leads the Albany Lettings team in Edinburgh, supporting both the lettings and property management departments while helping ensure landlords receive a consistently high standard of service.
Andrew works closely with landlords, particularly when they are joining Albany or when more complex situations arise. From rent reviews and legislative changes to property disputes and tenancy matters, he helps the team navigate challenges and find the right solution.
"My role is making sure the team has what they need to do their job well," he explains. "If something complicated comes in, whether that's legislation, a dispute or a property issue, we work through it together so we reach the right outcome."
With more than ten years' experience in Edinburgh's private rented sector, Andrew understands the challenges landlords face and the importance of staying ahead of an ever-changing regulatory landscape.
"The level of compliance involved in the Private Rented Sector is something people often underestimate. There is a lot happening behind the scenes to keep everything aligned with current regulations."
Andrew is a member of ARLA Propertymark and regularly undertakes industry training to stay up to date with legislative changes, ensuring the team continues to provide knowledgeable, professional advice to landlords across Edinburgh.
Away from the office, Andrew enjoys running and regularly trains for half marathons.
Alana Shepherd – Head of Property Management
As Head of Property Management, Alana leads Albany Lettings' Property Management team, supporting colleagues while overseeing the day-to-day management of residential properties across Edinburgh. She works closely with landlords, tenants and contractors to ensure high standards are maintained, while providing guidance on more complex maintenance, compliance and tenancy matters.
With extensive experience managing Edinburgh's diverse rental properties, Alana is often involved when situations require careful consideration. From major refurbishment projects and regulatory compliance to dispute resolution and long-term maintenance planning, she believes the best decisions come from understanding the detail before deciding on the right course of action.
"It can be anything from a minor repair to a full refurbishment," she says. "Often it's about working through the detail carefully before deciding what needs to happen next."
Alana is particularly skilled at balancing the needs of landlords and tenants while protecting the long-term condition of the property.
Her experience with Edinburgh's traditional tenements, listed buildings and conservation areas means she understands how different building types influence maintenance decisions and the importance of taking a considered, long-term approach.
"It's important to understand the building first, then decide the right course of action."
As a leader, Alana is passionate about maintaining high standards across the team and creating a supportive environment where colleagues can continue to develop. She believes great property management is built on knowledge, collaboration and consistently delivering the right outcome for landlords and tenants alike.
New Business and Investments
Kate Podles - New Business and Investments Director
With more than 20 years’ experience in Edinburgh’s property sector, Kate works with landlords who are preparing to let a property, reviewing their current arrangements or considering the next step for their portfolio.
As Albany’s New Business and Investment Director, Kate is often one of the first people a landlord speaks to. This could be someone letting for the first time, an experienced landlord looking to grow or a property owner considering a change of letting agent.
Her approach starts with understanding the person behind the property: what they want to achieve, how involved they would like to be and what support they need.
“Every client is different, so I never believe in offering a standard, one-size-fits-all service. You need to understand what matters to that person before you can give them the right advice.”
More than 20 years in Edinburgh property
Before joining Hadden Rankin Property Management in 2015, Kate worked for one of Edinburgh’s largest letting and estate agencies. Her experience spans property, business development and helping clients make informed financial decisions.
Kate is particularly proud of the long-term relationships she has built. Some clients have worked with her for more than 16 years, while others chose to follow her when she moved between businesses.
“Many of my clients have become much more than names on a database. I know their families, their pets, their businesses and their plans for the future. Those relationships help me understand what each client genuinely needs.”
Helping landlords make confident decisions
Kate understands that a rental property can be a landlord’s main source of income, part of a long-term investment plan, a former home or the beginning of a larger portfolio.
She helps landlords understand their options, from discussing a property’s rental potential and choosing the right management service to planning a move from another letting agent.
For landlords considering portfolio growth, Kate also helps them look beyond the purchase price. Rental demand, property condition, compliance work, management requirements and likely maintenance costs can all affect whether an investment is suitable.
Her goal is for every landlord to feel confident, informed and valued, knowing they have someone who understands both their property and their priorities.
Fairness across the property sector
Kate’s commitment to fairness extends beyond her role at Albany. She has volunteered her time to support landlords and tenants facing difficult situations with agents and has represented clients at the First-tier Tribunal on a voluntary basis.
This experience has strengthened her belief that clear information, fair treatment and honest advice should sit at the heart of every landlord relationship.
Outside Albany
Away from work, Kate enjoys hiking and woodland walks with her dog, watching rugby, listening to music and reading about psychology, history and politics.
She brings plenty of energy and humour to her role and admits she can happily talk about property for much longer than most people would consider sensible. For Kate, it is an opportunity to help people make good decisions, solve real problems and see the difference that experienced advice can make.
Property Management Team
Shaun McCafferty - Property Manager
Shaun manages a varied portfolio of residential properties across Edinburgh and enjoys the variety that comes with helping landlords navigate everything from everyday maintenance to larger refurbishment projects.
From coordinating day-to-day maintenance and carrying out property inspections to overseeing larger refurbishment projects, Shaun enjoys the variety that comes with managing residential property. Whether dealing with a routine repair or a more complex project, he focuses on keeping things moving and making sure landlords feel informed throughout the process.
"A lot of the job is about staying calm and working through the situation," he says. "There's always a way to resolve things. It's about finding the best route to get there while keeping everyone informed."
Before moving into property management, Shaun completed a corporate graduate management programme before taking time to travel across Asia and live in Melbourne. After returning to Scotland, he decided to build his career in the property industry, where he enjoys the mix of problem-solving, customer service and the fact that no two days are ever the same.
Away from the office, Shaun enjoys keeping active, whether that's playing football, going to the gym or getting out on the golf course. What he values most about Albany is the supportive team culture and the shared commitment to providing the best possible service for landlords and tenants.
Clarisse Du Lac – Property Manager
Clarisse coordinates repairs, inspections and tenancy matters across her portfolio.
A large part of her role involves reactive maintenance and ensuring issues are followed through from first report to final resolution.
“In older Edinburgh buildings, you have to understand how the building works,” she says. “When repairs affect shared areas, it often involves coordinating several owners.”
She is particularly thorough with documentation.
“In this industry, if it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen.”
Originally from hospitality, she was drawn to property because of the mix of customer service, regulation and problem-solving.
Martin Peters – Property Manager
Martin enjoys the practical side of property management and takes pride in helping landlords keep their properties well maintained while ensuring tenants receive a responsive, professional service.
Whether he's coordinating repairs, resolving maintenance issues or supporting landlords through the day-to-day management of their property, Martin takes pride in responding promptly and keeping everyone informed throughout the process. He believes the best outcomes come from building positive relationships and dealing with issues before they become bigger problems.
"Good communication makes a big difference," he says. "Landlords want to know their property is being looked after and tenants want to know someone is listening."
Before moving into property management, Martin worked in mortgages within the banking sector, where he developed a strong interest in residential property, valuations and property maintenance. That interest naturally led him into lettings, where he enjoys helping landlords protect their investment while ensuring tenants have a well-managed home.
Away from the office, Martin enjoys spending time with his wife, along with their dog and cat. He also enjoys cooking and following football, making the most of his downtime with family, good food and the occasional match.
Angie McIntosh - Property Manager
Following the LinnMac Property acquisition, Angie joined the Albany Lettings team, bringing with her more than 20 years' experience in residential lettings. She continues to support many of the landlords she's worked with over the years while also helping new Albany clients benefit from the same approachable, dependable service.
Throughout her career, she has supported landlords and tenants through every stage of the letting journey and believes successful property management is about far more than looking after a property. It's about being approachable, honest and delivering on the promises you make.
Throughout her career, Angie has worked with everyone from first-time landlords to experienced portfolio investors. While every client has different priorities, she has found that most simply want the reassurance that their property is being cared for and managed consistently.
By taking the time to understand how each landlord prefers to work, Angie provides a service that is tailored to their individual needs while delivering the consistency and attention to detail they expect.
For Angie, successful tenancies are built on trust, mutual respect and dealing with issues before they have the opportunity to grow into larger problems. She knows that strong, long-term relationships with trusted contractors play an important role in delivering a reliable service, helping maintenance and repairs to be resolved as efficiently as possible. Her aim is for landlords to know that, whatever arises, it will be dealt with quickly, professionally and with their best interests in mind.
Having supported landlords through portfolio transitions, Angie understands that continuity is often what matters most. A familiar point of contact who understands both the property and the landlord's expectations can make the move to a new managing agent feel straightforward and reassuring from the very beginning.
Angie believes the best outcomes come from regular conversations, not just emails. She takes pride in finding practical solutions rather than simply passing on problems, giving landlords confidence that they have someone they can rely on to protect both their property and investment.
Away from the office, Angie enjoys a much slower pace of life. She loves escaping in her camper van, Dignity Brown, and spending weekends exploring new places, whether that's the coast, the countryside or somewhere completely new. She's happiest sitting under the stars beside the firepit, putting the world to rights and making the most of every adventure
Paige Allan - Property Manager
Paige believes good property management is built on clear communication, consistency and being approachable. She enjoys getting to know both landlords and tenants, making sure people always know where things stand. By resolving issues efficiently and keeping everyone informed, her aim is to make owning a rental property feel as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
With three years' experience in the property sector, Paige has seen first-hand the difference that good management can make. She began her career as a Housing Assistant, where maintenance issues were often passed between different people, leaving tenants frustrated and unsure who was responsible.
That experience shaped the way she works today, with a focus on taking ownership, following issues through and making sure everyone involved knows what to expect.
Paige works with a wide range of landlords, each with different expectations about how involved they want to be. Some prefer regular updates, while others are happy to leave the day-to-day management in trusted hands. Whatever their preference, her priority is the same: to ensure every property is well cared for through proactive management, regular inspections and practical advice whenever it's needed.
For Paige, successful tenancies are built on consistency. Having one Property Manager who understands both the landlord and the tenant, sets clear expectations from the outset and remains the main point of contact throughout the tenancy helps create confidence on both sides. Her goal is for landlords to feel reassured that everything is being looked after behind the scenes, without needing to chase for answers.
Having supported landlords and tenants through portfolio transitions, Paige understands the importance of setting clear expectations from day one. Helping everyone understand how Albany works, who their point of contact is and what happens next makes the handover smoother and helps the tenancy continue without unnecessary disruption.
Paige approaches every property as though it were her own. Honest advice, clear expectations and taking ownership are at the heart of how she works. She enjoys meeting landlords and tenants in person whenever possible, believing that putting a face to a name helps build confidence from the very beginning.
Away from the office, Paige enjoys photography, Pilates and making memories with her little one, whether that's discovering new places or enjoying family days out. Her friendly, approachable nature carries through into her role at Albany, where she enjoys getting to know landlords and tenants and helping them feel supported throughout the tenancy.
Eleonora Vacca - Senior Property Manager
With around eight years' experience in residential lettings, Eleonora knows that no two days are ever the same. Every property, landlord and tenancy brings something different, which is one of the things she enjoys most about the role. She believes that providing a consistent service starts with following professional standards, communicating clearly and treating every property with the same level of care and attention.
Eleonora works with a wide range of landlords, from those who prefer a hands-off approach to those who like to stay closely involved throughout the tenancy. She understands that every landlord has different priorities, so she takes the time to understand how they like to communicate and what matters most to them. By adapting her approach, she helps landlords feel informed, confident and comfortable with how their property is being managed.
For Eleonora, successful property management starts with setting clear expectations from the beginning and maintaining open communication throughout the tenancy. Keeping landlords updated, responding promptly when issues arise and making sure everyone understands the next steps helps create a smoother experience for both landlords and tenants. Her goal is for landlords to feel reassured that their property is in safe hands and that they always know what's happening.
Having supported landlords through changes in managing agents, Eleonora understands that good communication is especially important during a transition. By setting expectations early, sharing clear information and being easy to reach, she helps make the process straightforward from the very beginning, giving landlords confidence that everything is moving in the right direction.
Eleonora believes in managing every property as though it were her own. She takes pride in staying organised, being proactive and making communication simple, so landlords always know where things stand. By combining genuine care with a practical, organised approach, she aims to make property ownership feel less stressful and more straightforward.
Away from the office, Eleonora enjoys making the most of the outdoors, whether that's exploring the hills around Edinburgh or spending time in her garden. She also loves cooking and travelling, with family in both Italy and Chile giving her plenty of reasons to plan her next trip and discover somewhere new.
Natasha Szanyi - Property Manager
Natasha is known for her positive energy and honest approach, building strong relationships with landlords and tenants throughout the tenancy. She knows landlords want someone they can trust to look after their property, while tenants value having someone approachable who will listen and respond when they need support.
As a Property Manager, Natasha works closely with landlords, tenants and contractors to keep tenancies running smoothly. From coordinating maintenance and inspections to handling day-to-day queries, she focuses on providing clear advice, resolving issues promptly and keeping everyone updated along the way.
Known for her open and straightforward approach, Natasha believes that setting realistic expectations and communicating honestly helps build confidence and long-term relationships. She enjoys getting to know the landlords and tenants she works with and takes pride in delivering a friendly, personal service.
Natasha began her career in property after working in retail, where she developed a passion for customer service and helping people.
Drawn to the variety that every day brings, she enjoys the fast-paced nature of property management and the satisfaction of helping landlords protect their investment while ensuring tenants have a well-managed home.
Away from the office, Natasha enjoys watching anime, reading, cooking and spending time with friends and family. Colleagues and clients often remember her for her positive energy, approachable nature and infectious laugh.
Ali Khan – Property Manager
Ali brings a calm, considered approach to property management, helping landlords make informed decisions while keeping tenancies running smoothly. He understands that clear guidance and measured decisions help prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
As a Property Manager, Ali works closely with landlords, tenants and contractors to ensure tenancies run smoothly from day to day. Whether he's coordinating maintenance, arranging inspections or helping resolve tenancy issues, he takes a thoughtful approach and focuses on finding the best outcome for everyone involved.
Ali enjoys the balance between working with people and solving practical problems. He believes every property is different, so taking the time to understand each landlord's priorities helps deliver a more personal and effective service. His calm, straightforward manner helps landlords feel informed and supported throughout the tenancy.
Originally drawn to property because it combines people skills with practical decision-making, Ali enjoys the variety the role brings and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with landlords and tenants alike.
He believes that addressing issues early and communicating honestly helps create successful, long-term tenancies.
Away from the office, Ali enjoys spending time with family and friends and is known by colleagues for his calm, approachable nature. His belief that "overcomplicating things doesn't help anyone" is an approach he brings to his work every day.
Brandon Wiseman – Property Manager
Brandon understands that landlords want to know what is happening at their property without having to chase for updates. As a Property Manager at Albany Lettings, he coordinates maintenance, inspections, compliance and tenancy matters, with a focus on clear communication and following each issue through.
Brandon has worked in residential property management for two years, managing a varied range of properties and gaining experience with HMOs and their additional requirements. He knows that each landlord has different priorities, so he takes time to understand the property and what its owner wants to achieve.
“Every landlord has different priorities for their property,” Brandon says. “It is important to provide honest, practical advice, keep landlords informed and take ownership of issues from beginning to end.”
For Brandon, good property management means responding promptly, keeping accurate records and looking ahead. A repair may need attention now, but decisions should also take account of the property’s condition, compliance requirements and longer-term performance. He believes positive relationships with tenants matter too, helping them feel supported and encouraging them to care for their home.
Brandon is looking forward to visiting the properties in his portfolio and building lasting relationships with Albany’s landlords. Seeing each property firsthand will help him give advice based on its condition and the landlord’s goals.
Before moving into property, Brandon spent four years in hospitality management, helping to lead a large team in a busy environment. That experience strengthened his customer service and communication skills and taught him to remain calm under pressure. Outside work, he enjoys going to the gym, following football and spending time with friends and family.
Compliance
Kirsty – Senior Compliance Property Manager
With more than 16 years' experience across social housing, mid-market rent and property factoring, Kirsty brings extensive knowledge of repairs, maintenance and compliance to her role as Senior Compliance Property Manager. Throughout her career, she has learned that well-managed properties don't happen by chance. They rely on proactive maintenance, careful planning and keeping on top of ever-changing compliance requirements.
Kirsty works with a wide range of landlords, from those letting a single property to experienced portfolio owners. Whatever the size of the portfolio, she understands that landlords want confidence their property is being cared for, their tenants are supported and they'll be kept informed without needing to chase for updates.
For Kirsty, successful property management starts with setting clear expectations from the beginning. By staying organised, communicating clearly and maintaining a strong focus on compliance, she helps ensure tenancies run smoothly while protecting both landlords and their investment.
Having supported landlords through portfolio transitions, Kirsty understands the importance of a well-organised handover.
She believes that clear communication from the outset helps landlords and tenants settle quickly, creating confidence and continuity from day one.
Kirsty approaches every property with respect, care and attention to detail. She is particularly passionate about compliance, believing that staying ahead of inspections, safety requirements and regulatory responsibilities is one of the most important ways to protect both landlords and tenants.
Accounts and Finance
Lauren Montgomery – Client Account Leader
Lauren Montgomery works on the financial side of property management, processing rent payments, paying contractors and landlords and preparing monthly statements.
She carefully reconciles accounts to ensure every transaction matches the tenancy records before funds are released.
“If something looks slightly off, I go back through it until I understand exactly why,” she says.
She focuses on explaining financial information clearly so landlords and tenants understand how figures have been calculated.
“People want to know their money is being handled carefully. Clarity avoids unnecessary disputes later.”
A Team Built Around Good Tenancy Management
A well-run tenancy in Edinburgh does not rely on big promises.
It relies on clear communication, consistent standards and people who take responsibility for the details.
That is exactly what the Albany Lettings team is here to provide.
Whether you are a landlord trusting us with your property or a tenant looking for a well-managed home, our role is to make the process calm, clear and reliable.
And if you ever need support or guidance, there will always be a real person at the other end ready to help.