Highlands-based luxury cottage rental firm growing staff and portfolio amid rebrand

A luxury holiday cottage rental firm based in the Highlands has rebranded and bolstered its portfolio as it seeks to boost its workforce.

The Aviemore-based company was founded by Tanja Hughes (left) and Judith Thurlow in 2016. Picture: Catriona Parmenter.

Self-catering property management company Handpicked Lodges, which was founded by Tanja Hughes and Judith Thurlow in 2016, has changed its name to Seasgair, which it says is theGaelic word for sheltered, comfort and warmth. Thurlow said: “As our business continues to grow, we wanted our brand name to really embody our ethos, our service and our unique properties.

"While each property in the portfolio is undoubtedly still very much ‘handpicked’ they are so much more. We choose the lodges knowing every guest will experience an almost undefinable feeling of Scottish comfort, warmth and hospitality – and this is what Seasgair means.”

Broomhill Steading in Speyside sleeps eight, and includes a sauna and outdoor rain shower. Picture: Rupert Shanks.

The business has also become the agent for Broomhill Steading in Speyside, which sleeps eight, and includes a sauna and outdoor rain shower, children’s play fort, wood burner and river and mountain views.

Additionally, the firm will soon be adding to the team by beginning the search for someone to help with guest bookings. It comes as Seasgair has also established a profit share programme for operational staff.

Thurlow added: “Working in an underpopulated area means that when we secure great talent to join our team, we want to encourage them to stay. Renumeration and reward is a huge part of that.”