There have been big changes for Sarah Laing at Skene Business Centres’ Gilcomston Park property. Having launched her private practice in 2022, she recently joined MAC Counselling in June 2024. MAC Counselling offers around a dozen practitioners across Glasgow and Edinburgh, and is seeking to expand its counsellor offering in Aberdeen.

“When I first set up business I was self-employed, starting from scratch with no clients,’ says Sarah. ‘I chose to base myself at Gilcomston Park for several key reasons. I was looking for a very central location, I needed affordable office rental rates and Skene’s rates were good. I had initially planned to establish myself somewhere else, but when that office fell through last minute, SBC were able to get me up and running so quickly. I dealt directly with SBC Director Maeghan Cuthill, who’s been consistent since I got here.”

Sarah initially chose the smallest and most affordable room available at Gilcomston Park but has since expanded with MAC Counselling, moving into a 190sqft room where she plans to use the larger space to offer couple counselling.

“I counsel people from all walks of life, and the surroundings matter. I’ve been in this new room since August 2024. Having joined MAC Counselling they have a general look and consistency they wish to maintain so I’ve been able to add the necessary decor, furniture and furnishings as required. I swapped out the office furniture provided by SBC for pieces that create the right vibe. The taupe walls were this colour when I arrived and I liked it, so that hasn’t changed, and this new room has a window, which lets daylight flood in.’

‘From my clients’ perspective, many of them appreciate the central location that’s on easy bus routes or easy to walk to. And several of them make a self-care day of it and make the most of the city centre, adding lunch and some shopping to the itinerary. The business centre is also quite discreet, it’s in a nice area, and the clients simply press the buzzer to gain access and have a pleasant waiting area to wait in.’

‘I personally use the kitchen and staff parking area. I also appreciate the fact there are other counsellors operating out of Gilcomston Park as we can chat, talk shop and even refer each other in some instances. There’s great flexibility here — while the remote reception staff is manned 0900-1700 you can work here whenever you wish. We’re looking to expand the MAC base in Aberdeen and potentially offer evening or weekend sessions, so it helps that’s there’s flexibility at SBC.’

‘On a practical level Skene cover all the maintenance, daily cleaning, external maintenance and car park gritting, and if there is a big issue or crisis, it’s not my crisis. Right now, I’m comfortable at Gilcomston Park, and these are very exciting times working with MAC Counselling and building the Aberdeen offering.”

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Author and Photography: Janice Hopper

"I was looking for a very central location, I needed affordable office rental rates and Skene’s rates were good. I had initially planned to establish myself somewhere else, but when that office fell through last minute, SBC were able to get me up and running so quickly."