Harbour Multi-Trades
About the company
Harbour Multi-Trades Limited has been trading since 1936. The company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Port of Leith Housing Association (now Harbour Homes) in 2019 and officially changed its name to Harbour Multi-Trades in November 2022. It employs over 50 engineers specialising in 8 different trades.
Its client base includes landlords, lettings agents, housing associations, public sector organisations, private sector companies, homeowners, and developers. The company works across Edinburgh, Fife, and the Lothians. Main services include maintenance, repairs, installation and refurbishment.
What customers say
Based on genuine customer reviews
Reviews
Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.
Big thank you to Louis (plumber) and Gregor (electrician) for installing a pump on the hot water system, they were dedicated professional brilliant hard workers and it was most appreciated. Mr K Mclaughlin RGN Elgin St, Edinburgh 20/1/2026.
I requested a change of two taps - one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom. I was quoted £75 per hour and then after the hour would be charged in 15minute increments. The plumber they sent took 2 hours (according to their system and invoice) to change one kitchen tap. They were unable to change the bathroom tap, as they wanted to lie on their back to do so but felt the bathroom cabinet would not support the weight (I was able to get another plumber to do the bathroom tap in 20 minutes and there was no issue with the cabinet). Further more, when I received the invoice, I was told I was being charged for 2 hours work (bear in mind one straightforward kitchen tap was changed like-for-like). I queried the invoice as my Ring doorbell had the plumber arrive at 8:35am to my property, and then leave to speak to a supervisor to receive guidance regarding the bathroom tap at 10:04am, before leaving my property at 10:08am. By my calculations that would be 1hour and 33minutes. When I made this point to the Team Leader who sent the invoice, I was informed they track the timings based on when the work van arrives, and when the work van leaves, called 'van telematics'. They informed me that they had already removed the 45minute charge related to the phone call, however, the phone call lasted 4 minutes, according to my ring doorbell, which must mean there was another call after they left my property and sat in their van. The work was fine, however, the fact that it took 2 hours to change one straightforward tap, and the fact I needed to call another plumber from another company to change the bathroom tap (which took a shorter amount of time and was 'more complicated' in Harbour Multi-trade's eyes) means I am unable to leave a positive review, and instead must write a negative review which I do not enjoy doing. However, the fact they will invoice you for when the Van arrives at and leaves your property, rather than time spent doing the job is also apparently dishonest.
Very poor communication and customer service. We've been waiting for over three months to have our bike storage door repaired, and the experience has been nothing but frustrating. Since the beginning, we've been given false promises—every time we call (which has been nearly every week), we're told someone will come "next week." Yet nothing has been done. No follow-up, no updates, just empty words. This kind of service is completely unacceptable. Would not recommend this company at all.
I've have used TB McKay for many years and always found them to be professional and deliver a high standard of work. Unfortunately the level of professionalism and standard of work has been diluted since being taken over by Harbour Multi Trades. We had gas engineer, joiner and plaster to carry out a small peoject. The engineer was great very polite and carried out his job to a high standard. This wasn't the case with regards the work of the joiner and plasterer. Their work was very poor. We have been left with having to do a final skim of plaster to make the wall presentable. They left raw plugs in , holes were not filled and the surface was uneven with big sections missed. Will not be using these services again.
I booked a plumber to come today and spent time getting everything ready for the three jobs that needed doing. I also had to take an unpaid day off work so that I could be ready whenever the person turned up. They were scheduled between 8-12. Just after noon I called, having had no messages or updates, to check on the status. Only then did I learn that they forgot to assign someone for our job. But, not to worry, they'd get someone out asap today. I confirmed at that stage that the next day wouldn't work so was relieved we could remedy the situation. At 1613, I got a call saying, "sorry, no one can come today." I was again offered the next day, but I'm unable to cancel work at such short notice and then I'm away on business. Not amused and not impressed.
Since moving to Edinburgh I've always been happy with these guys (formerly T B Mackay). Brian in particular is an absolute pro - I've never known there to be an issue with our heating he couldn't fix, and he's always happy to explain - in the very necessary layman's terms - how things work so we can sort things ourselves where possible. 100% recommend.
Our 14 year old gas central heating boiler stopped working. Harbour Multi-Trades' engineer made heroic efforts to extend its useful life, but in the end that proved not possible, and we ordered a new boiler. This was installed smoothly and efficiently. We are very pleased with the quality of the work and would highly recommend Harbour Multitrades for work of this kind.
Underfloor heating in Edinburgh compared
Ordered by rating, weighted by the number of reviews — businesses with only a handful of reviews do not jump to the top automatically. 4 businesses in this category in Edinburgh are compared.
| Rank | Provider | Rating | Reviews | Open Sat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edinburgh Heating | ★ 5,0 | 373 | No |
| 2 | Scott Findlay Plumbing and Heating Engineers | ★ 4,9 | 489 | No |
| 3 | Haggart Plumbers | ★ 4,6 | 177 | Yes |
| 4 | Harbour Multi-Trades (this page) | ★ 4,0 | 125 | No |

