In this edition of ‘Meet the Locals’ we talk to Lorna Moffat, the owner of Lets Get Local, the place to go for a beautiful portfolio of self-catering holiday lets in Edinburgh. Lorna shares her business story and offers some top tips for visitors planning a trip to this glorious city.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your career.
I’ve been running my holiday let business, Lets Get Local for the past seven years, building a portfolio of stunning holiday properties in great locations in Edinburgh.
And the lightbulb / let’s do it moment to launch Lets Get Local?
We’re lucky to live in such a busy, thriving and beautiful city. We used to let our own West End flat out to holiday guests during the Edinburgh Festival, and I would personally greet all of the guests at the property. I loved meeting people, sharing my suggestions on local activities, places to visit and things to do. We recognised that Edinburgh is a vibrant and popular tourist destination all year round, and so decided to launch Lets Get Local, offering stunning properties with that added local knowledge.
Tell us about the Lets Get Local offering and how it differs from a globalised booking platform.
At Lets Get Local, we’re very much a local team – we’re in Edinburgh and we’re here both for our guests but also for our property owners. We know the city inside and out, so we can recommend the areas to stay in, and the places to visit. Our guests have that personal contact, right from the outset, when we can help to find the perfect property for their visit, and then provide them with suggestions on things to do when they are here. We love to share our tips and especially restaurant suggestions! Once they’ve checked in to the property, we’re still on hand and close by if needed, something that I think definitely sets us apart from globalised booking platforms.
For our owners, being local and available to step in immediately to look after properties, is something that I know provides peace of mind and reassurance.
Ultimately, we’re a small, friendly team based in Edinburgh, rather than a globalised and faceless booking platform. We care a great deal about our guests’ experience and about looking after our properties.
You have some beautiful properties across Edinburgh – where is your favourite part of the city and why?
My heart lies with the West End and New Town in Edinburgh. I love the architecture and sweeping Georgian crescents as well as the hidden cobbled streets, such as William Street, with its independent boutiques and cafes.
Any when is your favourite time of year in Edinburgh and why?
Whilst I do love the buzz of the festivals in August, I have to say that my favourite time of year in Edinburgh is September, the calm after the storm! The days are still long and often warm and it’s a beautiful time to explore the streets and walk in the Pentlands.
What are your top tips for a first-time visitor to Edinburgh?
Make sure you walk everywhere if you can! So much of Edinburgh can be enjoyed on foot. It’s a truly stunning city, with the architecture, castle and surrounding hills. Shop locally, visit the boutiques and cafes in neighbourhoods like Bruntsfield and Stockbridge. And chat to us for restaurant suggestions..!
And for Edinburgh residents and visitors alike – in your opinion where is the hot spot at the moment
Edinburgh is a constantly evolving city, there are always new restaurants, bars and shops. The restaurant Six by Nico continues to excite with its menu and is the place that we’ll always recommend.
What is your life motto (if you have one!)
I truly believe that anyone can achieve their dreams, if there’s something you want to do – go for it!
