In Conversation With Emma Fletcher

For this month’s In Conversation With we caught up with our Elgin-based Property Manager Emma Fletcher to chat about her work, some of her favourite places around Moray, from fantastic walks to local businesses, and, of course, her dream home, which includes “a large veranda overlooking the sea” and sounds very dreamy indeed.

Firstly, can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at Paton & Co?

I am the Residential Property Manager based in our Elgin office. We manage a number of estates across Moray and the Highlands, and my role involves looking after tenanted properties on behalf of our clients.

Before joining Paton & Co, I worked for a lettings company in Edinburgh. Prior to that, I spent several years living in South Africa, working in lettings across the southern suburbs of Cape Town.

No two days are ever the same. My role involves everything from speaking with tenants and contractors, overseeing compliance requirements and liaising with clients, to arranging property upgrades, marketing vacant homes and managing the entire lettings process from one tenancy ending to the next beginning.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The variety is definitely one of the aspects I enjoy most. Every day brings something different and there is always something that needs my attention, which keeps the role interesting.

I particularly enjoy getting out and about to visit the estates we manage and seeing the range of properties we look after, from cosy one bedroom cottages to large five bedroom farmhouses. It is always rewarding to welcome a new tenant into a property and see them excited about making it their home.

I also enjoy the fact that you are constantly learning. Whether it's keeping up to date with changing legislation or finding solutions to the challenges that arise each day, there is always something new to learn.

What's your favourite place to escape to or explore when you're not working?

One of my favourite places is Roseisle Beach, where I love taking my beagle, Beau, for a long walk before treating myself to a coffee from the mobile café.

Cullen is another favourite. A walk along the coastline followed by fish and chips is hard to beat.

I also enjoy visiting The Craigellachie Hotel near Aberlour for dinner and soaking up its warm atmosphere. And, as a self-confessed coffee lover, I'm always keen to discover new cafés in and around Elgin.

Can you tell us some of your favourite local businesses?

Harbro is always worth a visit, although I try very hard not to leave with another toy or treat for Beau! It's also a great place to pick up practical items for the home.

I'm also a regular visitor to Allarburn Farm Shop , which has a fantastic selection of fresh local produce and delicious ready meals. They're especially handy when you have family or friends coming to stay.

For fitness, I head to PureGym several times a week and enjoy taking part in some of their classes.

What are you enjoying reading, watching or listening to at the moment?

I'm a big fan of thrillers and always have a book on the go. At the moment, I'm reading Adam and Eve by Jeffrey Archer.

When it comes to television, I enjoy curling up on the sofa with a good crime series. Walter Presents on Channel 4 has introduced me to some excellent foreign-language dramas. Like many others, I'm also hooked on The Celebrity Traitors at the moment, which provides plenty of conversation with friends and colleagues.

If you were to describe your dream home, what would it look like?

My dream home would be a traditional coastal property with a large veranda overlooking the sea and uninterrupted views. It would have private access to the beach, perfect for those peaceful early morning or evening walks when it feels as though you have the coastline all to yourself.

What are you most looking forward to work-wise as we move towards the end of the year?

I'm looking forward to a slightly quieter spell in the office, giving me the chance to catch up on some of the tasks that are still on my ever-growing to-do list and get organised for the start of 2027.

I'm also looking forward to Christmas, which is fast approaching. The office Christmas party is already in the diary, so it's definitely something to look forward to!