ASSC Scotland

07/06/2026

📢 Scottish Government urged to reset approach following new independent report on self-catering sector

A new report from the Moffat Centre at Glasgow Caledonian University, commissioned by the ASSC, highlights the growing impact of overlapping regulation on Scotland’s £1bn self-catering sector.

It finds that while licensing, planning rules, rates changes and upcoming visitor levies continue to increase pressure on operators, there is still no clear evidence that restrictions are delivering increases in housing supply.

Key findings also show the sector supports over 29,000 jobs, contributes £1bn annually to the economy, and accounts for 31% of all overnight stays in Scotland (43% for domestic visitors), despite representing less than 1% of housing stock.

The report calls for a more joined-up and proportionate approach to regulation, with a focus on “refinement rather than expansion”.

The ASSC is now urging the Scottish Government to use this evidence to reset its approach and work towards a more balanced, sustainable framework for the sector.

👉 Read more and view the full report here: https://www.assc.co.uk/press-release/scottish-government-urged-to-reset-relations-with-1bn-self-catering-sector-as-new-independent-report-reveals-toll-of-regulatory-overload

06/06/2026

📢 ASSC Spring Barometer Survey 2026

If you’re a self-catering operator in Scotland, there’s still time to take part in the ASSC Spring Barometer Survey.

This is your opportunity to share insights on trading conditions, booking trends, business confidence, and expectations for the months ahead.

Your feedback plays a key role in shaping the ASSC’s ongoing advocacy and engagement with stakeholders including VisitScotland, the Scottish Tourism Alliance, and the Scottish Government.

✅ Open to all self-catering businesses across Scotland
✅ Takes less than 10 minutes to complete
✅ Closes at midnight on 28 June 2026

Every response helps ensure the sector’s voice is properly represented.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and feel free to share it within your network to help us reach more operators.

Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CVNSKTV

VisitScotland.org Scottish Tourism Alliance

05/06/2026

The Highland STL Control Area consultation is now live - and the sector must respond in force.

This is a defining moment for self-catering and tourism businesses across Scotland.

There remains no clear evidence that restricting short-term lets will solve Scotland’s housing challenges, but there is clear evidence that our sector:

✔ Sustains communities
✔ Creates jobs
✔ Supports local businesses
✔ Drives year-round tourism economies

We need constructive, evidence-led policy - not measures that risk damaging fragile rural economies.

If you care about the future of Scottish tourism, now is the time to speak up.

📢 Respond to the consultation before 23 June and encourage others to do the same.

🔗: https://www.assc.co.uk/short-term-let-regulations/highland-council-opens-consultation-on-proposed-short-term-let-control-areas

04/06/2026

📧 June’s ASSC Monthly Member Update has landed in inboxes, bringing the latest advocacy, industry developments and opportunities for Scotland’s self-catering sector.

🚨 This Month’s Highlights Include:

➤ Have your say in the ASSC Spring Barometer Survey 2026
➤ Urgent reminder: Highland Council's Short-Term Let Control Area consultation is now open
➤ New independent report calls for a reset in relations with Scotland's £1bn self-catering sector
➤ Advocacy in Action: what the ASSC is doing for members right now
➤ Recording, slides and Q&A available from our VisitScotland.com Changes & Google webinar
➤ Get involved with the Great Scottish Holidays campaign
➤ SAMH charity appeal for in-kind donations of overnight stays and weekend breaks
➤ Scottish Women's Awards 2026 nominations now open
➤ Upcoming industry events and opportunities
➤ Take your ASSC membership further with EmbraceScotland marketing membership
➤ Self-catering businesses currently for sale
➤ Latest ASSC news, policy updates and media coverage
➤ Join the Member Forum and WhatsApp Community
➤ Up for an award? Let us know!

📧 Check your inbox for the 3 June 2026 ASSC Monthly Update, keeping you informed, represented and supported as we continue to champion Scotland’s self-catering sector.

03/06/2026

Plans to explore the potential introduction of a Visitor Levy in Dumfries and Galloway are set to be considered by elected members next week, as the council looks at new ways to support the region’s visitor economy and invest in local infrastructure:

Plans to explore the potential introduction of a Visitor Levy in Dumfries and Galloway are set to be considered by elected members next week, as the council looks at new ways to support the region’s visitor economy and invest in local infrastructure.

03/06/2026

NC500 generates almost £100 million but most locals report issues, says report

Clare Winskill, NC500 Ltd’s executive chair, said: “This report is an important milestone for the North Coast 500 and, crucially, for the communities who live and work along the route.

“It shows that the route is a vital driver of economic activity for Highland communities, generating £36 of economic impact in 2025 for every £1 invested since 2015.

“As well as all the brilliant businesses that have been able to thrive as a result of the NC500, it has clearly come with big challenges for residents, and we recognise that over 60% of residents feel NC500 Ltd does not act in the best interests of the local area, which is something we need to work hard to change.

“Given that so many people are dependent upon the route for income, what matters now is how we work together on the next stage, listening properly to communities, collaborating closely with stakeholders and using the findings – both positive and negative – to deliver meaningful, long-term benefits for everyone across the North Highlands.”

The 516-mile route, which links several areas of the Highlands together, is a popular tourist destination

03/06/2026

Nominations are now open for the Scottish Women's Awards 2026💜
Make sure to nominate the fantastic women you know who are doing outstandingly in their fields!

Powered by Oceanic Awards

03/06/2026

📢 Have Your Say: ASSC Spring Barometer Survey 2026

Are you a self-catering operator in Scotland? We want to hear from you.

The ASSC Spring Barometer Survey is now open and provides a vital opportunity to share your experiences, booking trends, business confidence, and expectations for the season ahead.

The results help inform the ASSC's advocacy work and engagement with key stakeholders, including VisitScotland, the Scottish Tourism Alliance, and the Scottish Government.

✅ Open to all self-catering businesses across Scotland
✅ Takes less than 10 minutes to complete
✅ Closes at midnight on 28 June 2026

Every response helps strengthen the collective voice of Scotland's self-catering sector.

Please complete the survey and share it with your networks to help us reach as many operators as possible.

Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CVNSKTV

VisitScotland.org Scottish Tourism Alliance

02/06/2026

Fines for breaching Edinburgh tourist tax capped at £49,000...

Fiona Campbell of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has been a critic of the council’s percentage-based scheme.

"Visitor levy enforcement officers won't have an issue with professional tourism accommodation providers who will readily comply with their legal duties, as they always do, albeit under difficult circumstances,” she remarked.

“Edinburgh Council's continued adherence to a flawed percentage charge creates unnecessary disproportionate burdens on smaller operators. The resulting complexity will make enforcement harder, not easier.”

She warned that “black market” accommodation operators would likely escape scrutiny.

Ms Campbell said: “The Council may have adopted what it describes as a 'softly softly' approach to levy enforcement, but they have acted heavy-handedly elsewhere.

"In fact, given the explosion in the unlicensed black market as a direct consequence of their own draconian STL licensing and planning policies, the Council may find that a significant number of properties operating in the shadows simply won't be on their radar at all.

“Unlike legitimate operators, they will pay nothing – and the enforcement framework, however it is worded on paper, cannot reach what it cannot see.”

ASSC and other business groups have urged the council to switch to a fixed rate scheme.

This week, City of Edinburgh councillors approved a penalty framework for the city’s visitor levy scheme, which is set to begin on July 24.

01/06/2026

🎉 May Partner Renewal 🎉

We're delighted to continue our partnership with Loch Ness Hub & Travel, who renewed their ASSC Partnership with us in May.

Based in Drumnadrochit, this community-owned visitor information and travel centre helps visitors discover the very best of Loch Ness, offering everything from Highland Cow tours and fishing trips to eBike hire, boat trips, and local gifts from Highland artists.

Their expert local knowledge and commitment to creating authentic visitor experiences make them a valued part of the ASSC community.

🔗 Learn more about all our partners: https://www.assc.co.uk/holiday-let-trade-suppliers

Thank you, Loch Ness Hub and Travel, for your continued support of Scotland's self-catering sector!