At Davidson & Robertson (D&R), our multi-disciplinary services support the purchase and development of an estate on the Isle of Harris
Finsbay, on the Isle of Harris, came to market in 2021. The holding includes three modern Austrian lodges, two traditional stone cottages, and fishing on three systems, including around 100 lochs.
Agency support:
D&R was commissioned to act on behalf of the buyer, navigating them through what was a complex purchase process. Building on that initial relationship, our property management team continue to work alongside the client to support the longer-term development and growth of their business operating as Finsbay Fishing & Holiday Company.
Adding value to client businesses is important to us
Clients can engage with our specialists across the breadth of services we provide, building relationships and providing them with strategic guidance and practical property portfolio management.
Property management:
During the property acquisition process, our cross-specialist team attended weekly meetings to help shape the direction of the new business and prepare for its launch.
We assisted in developing a new website and booking system, conducted the short-term let licensing application, and assisted with the management of the lodges and short-term lets.
Over time, our property team’s role has evolved as the client’s team was established and today, we provide ongoing strategic and operational support in an advisory role, supporting governance, structure, and customer service systems, preparing performance analysis, and liaising with the housekeeping team.
Key Outcomes:
- Increase in bookings since the property was bought.
- Notable growth in advance bookings for the upcoming year, indicating strong forward demand.
- Consistently positive customer feedback, reinforcing the quality of the offering.
- Enhanced customer journey, with the introduction of an accessible online booking system integrated into the website.
- Expanded market reach – through platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com
Finsbay Fishing and Holiday Company has quickly established itself as a peaceful, high-quality destination for international visitors seeking nature, comfort, and outdoor activity in one of Scotland’s most remote and beautiful settings.
It is a perfect location for private parties to fish and enjoy the spectacular and wild moorland countryside. The coastal waters are dotted with peaceful bays and inlets and there are regular sightings of sea eagles, seals, and the occasional otter.
Tess Gibson, Senior Surveyor at D&R has been working with the team from the earliest days. She said:
“Working with such focused and ambitious clients is a genuine pleasure, especially given their commitment to sourcing everything locally – from trades to art, it really helps set them apart.
“Having supported their development from the very beginning, it is incredibly gratifying to see their systems and processes improve – along with the quality of the properties they offer to Harris visitors.”
Finsbay Fishing & Holiday Company said, “The buying process became protracted due to issues and changing circumstances of the seller. The team at D&R were very supportive during that process, and harnessing the specialist skills in their property management team meant we were also able to strategically plan and implement changes as soon as we completed.
Tess and the team are a continuing support, ensuring we have all the relevant licensing, customer service systems and structure in place and supporting the management of the lodges and short-term lets. Their governance and advice have been integral to our development, and they still keep us on track today.”
Find out more about this Isle of Harris holiday accommodation
