A brand-new holiday-let management company, Shetland Stays, is set to revolutionise the short-term rental market in the Shetland Islands. With a strong local presence and a wealth of experience in the holiday-letting industry, Shetland Stays is here to provide property owners with a hassle-free, professional service that maximises income while ensuring exceptional guest experiences.

Founded by Ruairidh Mackenzie, a Shetland local, alongside Emily and Ryan Smith—who were born on the islands but now live in Sheffield—Shetland Stays is a passion project brought to life with fellow directors Mark and Caroline Winship. Together, they bring years of expertise in property management, guest services, and revenue optimisation from across the UK.

A Solution to Common Challenges

Managing a holiday-let can be demanding, from guest liaison and marketing to cleaning, laundering, and overall upkeep. Many property owners struggle to balance the demands of short-term letting with their personal lives or full-time jobs. Shetland Stays takes care of all these responsibilities, allowing owners to reap the rewards without the stress.

“Our aim is simple: to make holiday-letting seamless and profitable for property owners while enhancing Shetland’s tourism offering,” says Ruairidh Mackenzie, Operations Director at Shetland Stays. “We know that many owners find it difficult to manage bookings and turnovers, especially when they’re away. Our service ensures properties remain available to visitors and are managed with the highest level of care and professionalism.”

Local Expertise, National Knowledge

The Shetland Stays team is uniquely positioned to combine deep local roots with extensive knowledge of the UK holiday-let market. With a full 24-hour guest communication service, a dedicated team for property maintenance, and strategic partnerships with local businesses, Shetland Stays is committed to providing both property owners and visitors with an outstanding experience.

Emily Smith, Marketing Director, emphasises the company’s commitment to the Shetland community: “We’ve partnered with local businesses like Island Larder for welcome packs, as well as local cleaning and laundering providers, ensuring that the benefits of our services extend beyond just property owners. Our goal is to support the tourism economy while maintaining the charm and authenticity of Shetland.”

A Physical Presence in the Isles

Shetland Stays is also opening a dedicated office, providing a face-to-face point of contact for property owners, guests, and local service providers. This marks a significant step in offering a truly personal service, something that sets Shetland Stays apart from other management companies.

“We believe in quality, communication, and professionalism,” says Ryan Smith, Technical Director. “There is a real need for a dedicated, expert-led management service here in Shetland. By working closely with local businesses and ensuring a hands-on approach, we’re confident Shetland Stays will make a positive impact.”

Supporting Shetland’s Tourism Economy

The team understands the balance between tourism and the housing market. With a shortage of available housing, Shetland Stays aims to help property owners make better use of their second homes or properties that would otherwise sit empty. By offering a full management solution, the company ensures that more high-quality accommodations remain available for visitors, supporting Shetland’s thriving tourism industry without adding strain to the local housing supply.

For more information, visit www.shetlandstays.com or email info@shetlandstays.com.