Meet the team

Meet the Team

Directors

John Horsburgh

Managing Director

About

John co-founded RentLocally in 2008 alongside Steven, after identifying a gap in the market for a more personal and tailored letting service. As landlords themselves, they experienced firsthand the shortcomings of existing agencies in Scotland and set out to create something better. When they couldn’t find a solution that met their standards, RentLocally was born.

With John’s expertise in systems, he developed an all-in-one platform designed to meet the needs of both landlords and tenants—streamlining processes and centralising everything in one place. He launched the business with the tagline “The Better Letting People”, a phrase that continues to resonate after 16 successful years and multiple industry awards. John remains proud of the company’s journey and the reputation it has built.

What do you think about the current letting sector?

Scotland’s letting sector is undergoing significant transformation. Recent legislative changes, such as the proposed rent controls under the Housing (Scotland) Bill, have introduced uncertainty for landlords and investors. Coupled with increased regulatory pressures, this has led to a notable number of landlords exiting the market, reducing the availability of rental properties. In cities like Edinburgh, while there’s been an uptick in rental listings, demand continues to outpace supply, leading to competitive conditions for tenants.

What’s one challenge in the letting industry you think is often overlooked?

A frequently overlooked challenge is the communication gap regarding legal changes. Research indicates that over 20% of Scottish landlords struggle to keep up with evolving legislation, and nearly 40% feel that these changes aren’t clearly communicated. This lack of clarity can lead to unintentional non-compliance, affecting both landlords and tenants.

How would you describe RentLocally in three words?

Professional, Personalised, Reliable.

If you could have a holiday home anywhere, where would it be?

Estepona, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, would be my top choice. With its sunny climate, vibrant culture, and laid-back coastal charm, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Steven Murray

Operations Director

John Lornie

Finance Director

About

John has been an integral part of RentLocally since its inception, playing a key role in helping the co-founders establish the business. With a strong background in finance from his years at RBS and hands-on experience in the property sector, stepping into the role of Finance Director was a natural progression. John shared the founders’ vision of delivering a more personal and tailored service for both landlords and tenants.

From managing the company’s early financial operations to onboarding landlords in the foundational stages, John has been instrumental in RentLocally’s growth. Today, he leads our busy Finance Team, ensuring financial stability and continued success. His expertise, leadership, and long-standing commitment make him a cornerstone of the RentLocally team.

What got you into the Letting Sector?

Property has always been a significant part of my life—both through my career in banking and my own portfolio of renovated properties. When I heard that my lifelong friend John, whom I’ve known for over 50 years, was starting a letting agency, I leapt at the opportunity to be involved in any way I could.

Now, nearly 17 years later, the letting sector continues to keep me on my toes. My passion for property remains as strong as ever, and I’m proud to be part of a business that values quality service, innovation, and genuine care for landlords and tenants alike.

What’s your favorite part of the finance team

The camaraderie that we have within our team.

How would you describe RentLocally in three words?

Professional, Personalised, Reliable.

What is your dream home?

Somewhere overlooking the sea

Lyndsay Yuill

Sales Director

Finance, Marketing & Sales Team

Derek Hawson

Business Development Manager

About

Derek has been with RentLocally for 15 years and has helped RentLocally grow from 50 properties to over 2000. After working in Letting Web Derek took the jump in helping RentLocally as he could see the potential in our family run letting agent and has been key in our success.

What drove you to get into the Letting Sector?

I’ve spent over half my life in sales, always driven by a strong passion for property, so the transition felt natural. I began by selling advertising packages to letting agents, which helped me build valuable industry connections. After 15 years at RentLocally selling to landlords, I still love what I do.

What hobbies do you have?

I do a lot of walking in my spare time to keep myself active but I do have a fascination for watches.

Ross Leiper

Finance & Marketing Manager

About

Ross joined RentLocally in 2020 after completing his Modern Apprenticeship in HR & Finance at the University of Edinburgh Business School. He began as a Finance Assistant and quickly demonstrated his capability and drive, progressing to his current role as Finance & Marketing Manager. Ross’s dedication, adaptability, and forward-thinking approach have made him an integral part of our leadership team.

What's your thoughts on the Letting Sector at the moment?

The letting sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, including Covid, legislative changes, and shifting market demand. However, the market remains strong. We continue to see new landlords entering the sector, which is encouraging—and I don’t expect this growth to slow down anytime soon.

What has been an achievement in RentLocally?

Building the RentLocally website alongside Alan Rowan has been a fantastic achievement. While I’m no professional coder, after dedicating a year to the project, we’ve created a website that could truly challenge an experienced developer.

What hobbies do you have?

In my spare time, I enjoy playing football and golf, but I also have a passion for gardening. Right now, I’m working on getting my lawn to look as perfect as a bowling green.

Barney Withall

Sales Executive

About

Barney joined our busy Sales team at the end of 2023 after looking to get into the property sector. Since then, Barney has been key to the Sales team's success in selling and letting properties across Scotland.

What is the most rewarding thing about letting?

Getting out and about, talking to landlords about property. Ultimately trying to make the letting process as easy as possible, so they can focus on what matters most to them.

What has been a highlight for you in RentLocally?

Selling properties for above the asking price, and giving the owners the good news when the offers come in!

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy climbing munros, going to the gym, and renovating properties.

Ailsa McConnell

Finance & Marketing Administrator

About

Ailsa has been with RentLocally for nearly 10 years! Throughout her time with us, she has contributed to multiple teams, including Maintenance, Property Management, Marketing, and Finance. Her dedication and loyalty to RentLocally are truly valued, and we deeply appreciate everything she brings to our team.

What do you enjoy most about working in the lettings industry?
In a finance role, what I enjoy most is the structure and pace of the work. The lettings industry is constantly evolving, and there’s always something to stay on top of.

If you weren’t in lettings, what would you love to do?
If I wasn’t in lettings, I’d love to be a travel blogger. Exploring new places, meeting different people, and sharing experiences through writing and photography really appeals to me. It’s the perfect combination of creativity and adventure.

What’s your favourite Scottish city or town to visit?
Definitely Edinburgh. It has everything—history, beautiful architecture, great food, and that buzz of a capital city without losing its charm.

Andrew Stevenson

Finance Administrator

About

Andrew joined the Finance Team in 2023 as a Finance Administration Assistant and quickly proved himself to be an invaluable team member. He has since been promoted to Finance Administrator and has played a vital role in updating our deposit processes. Andrew manages over £1.8 million in deposit funds daily with precision and care. His charisma, dedication, and commitment to excellent service make him a truly valued part of the team.

What's your favorite part of the finance team?

We genuinely enjoy working together, and it’s a pleasure to be in such a positive and supportive environment.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy the gym, cooking and playing golf.

Heidi Horsburgh

Finance Administrator

Maintenance Team

Daniil Craciun

Maintenance Manager

Fiona McBeth

Maintenance Co-Ordinator

About

Fiona joined RentLocally in 2022 following the acquisition of The Key Place, where she was already a valued team member. Since then, she has played an important role in supporting a smooth transition and has been instrumental in helping RentLocally expand its presence in the Midlothian area. Fiona’s local knowledge and continued dedication have made her a key part of our team.

What drove you into the letting sector?

I worked in an office that did insurance and lettings. I was employed in the insurance department, but occasionally helped out in the lettings department if they were short-staffed. I realised that I preferred the lettings, and when a job became available, I moved to that department. That was 20+ years ago, and I've never looked back.

What part of the lettings process do you find most satisfying?

I love being able to close a job down that has been completed to tenants and landlords hight standard.

What’s your dream holiday destination?

My dream holiday destination is Spain.

Elaine Durie

Maintenance Co-Ordinator

About

Elaine joined RentLocally in 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her years in the lettings industry. Having previously worked with another letting agent, Elaine’s deep knowledge, sharp attention to detail, and uplifting presence have made an immediate impact. We’re fortunate to have her on the team—her professionalism and positive energy make her a truly valued member of RentLocally.

What is the most rewarding thing about letting?

Liaising with the tenants and landlords to see repairs through to completion.

Staff are open, friendly, and supportive. RentLocally from the start has trusted in my ability and has let me grow into the role.

What is your favorite meal to cook?

A hot curry.

Lesliean Bracks

Maintenance Co-Ordinator

About

Lesliean has been with RentLocally for nearly 8 years as a vital member of our maintenance team. Her focused, head-down attitude is truly admirable and has been especially valuable during our busiest periods. We deeply appreciate her years of dedicated service.

What do you like the most about letting?

The reason I have been in private letting for so long (about 13 years all in), nearly 8 years with RentLocally, is that I like the feeling of being able to help people when they need someone to sort out a maintenance issue.

What has been a highlight for you in RentLocally?

I think a highlight for me with RentLocally has to be that if you have anything you need help with or are in a stressful situation, you can always rely on the team to help out and give some helpful ideas and input.

What are your hobbies?

Mostly my hobbies now are being a mum of 2, taking them on adventures, and making lovely memories.