ASSC Scotland

19/06/2026

ASSC has submitted a detailed briefing to Argyll and Bute Council ahead of key decisions on a potential Planning Control Area and Visitor Levy.

The briefing urges councillors to base decisions on clear, robust evidence and to fully consider proportionality, economic impact and delivery outcomes before moving forward.

While recognising housing pressures across Argyll and Bute, ASSC highlights the lack of evidence that Planning Control Areas elsewhere in Scotland have delivered measurable improvements in housing supply or affordability.

It also raises questions about the timing and potential economic consequences of a Visitor Levy, including previously modelled impacts on local economic activity and business costs.

The briefing stresses that decisions should not be taken in isolation, but with full regard to cumulative pressures already facing the sector, including licensing, planning regulation, taxation and rising operating costs.

With self-catering supporting thousands of jobs and significant GVA across the region, ASSC is calling for a fair, evidence-led approach that protects both communities and the wider visitor economy.

Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of the ASSC, said:

“These are significant decisions which could have long-term implications for businesses, communities and the wider visitor economy across Argyll and Bute."

Read more and view the briefing: https://www.assc.co.uk/industry-news/assc-calls-for-evidence-led-approach-to-argyll-and-bute-planning-control-area-and-visitor-levy-proposals

19/06/2026

Highland Council has proposed working with the tourism industry to "co-design" a visitor levy for the region.

The authority previously consulted on a 5% "tourist tax" on holiday accommodation which it estimated could generate at least £10m per year for the region.

In December councillors agreed to put plans on hold due to accommodation providers' "considerable" concerns about a percentage-based tax.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn94je571v0o #:~:text=The%20authority%20previously%20consulted%20on,about%20a%20percentage%2Dbased%20tax.

The local authority put on hold previous plans last year following concerns from tourism bodies.

19/06/2026

📈 67% of respondents so far report that rising business costs are currently a major challenge for their self-catering business.

👉 Are increasing costs affecting your business too?

The ASSC Spring Barometer Survey provides a crucial opportunity to share what's happening on the ground and ensure the realities facing self-catering operators are reflected in our discussions with policymakers and industry partners.

Your voice matters - respond to the survey today.

⏰ The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and closes on 28 June.

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

VisitScotland.org Scottish Tourism Alliance

19/06/2026

Perthshire to consult on Tourist Tax despite warnings

Perth and Kinross Council is to consult on a Tourist Tax despite warnings from Scotland’s self-caterers that the move could impact Perthshire’s competitiveness.

The region is heavily dependent on tourism, with a Scottish Government study estimating that the sector is directly responsible for 6-7% of the region’s economy and sustains 7000 FTE jobs.

Local people to be exempt from charge

18/06/2026

ASSC has written to East Lothian councillors ahead of their decision on a proposed Visitor Levy, urging a careful review of the evidence before any move forward.

While the Council is entitled to consider the levy, we believe more work is needed to understand its full economic impact, including effects on local businesses, visitor spending, jobs, and administrative burdens.

With implementation experience in Scotland still very limited, and different approaches emerging across local authorities, we are encouraging councillors to ensure decisions are based on clear, robust evidence that the benefits will outweigh the costs.

ASSC Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell MBE said:

"The question is not whether a Visitor Levy can generate revenue. It clearly can.

The question is whether the Council has demonstrated that the benefits will outweigh the costs."

The ASSC is calling for a pause and a fuller assessment before any final decision is taken.

Read more:

The Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers. Supporting self-catering in Scotland. ASSC Membership. Benefits. Advice. Representation.

18/06/2026

🙌 New EmbraceScotland Campaign Encourages Visitors to Stay Local. Feel More.

We're delighted to launch Stay Local. Feel More., a new EmbraceScotland campaign celebrating the people, places and communities behind Scotland's self-catering sector.

Running until March 2027, the campaign will showcase stories and insights from self-catering operators across Scotland, highlighting the local knowledge, personal recommendations and authentic experiences that help create memorable visitor stays.

The campaign also reinforces the value of booking direct, helping visitors connect with local businesses while supporting communities and local economies throughout Scotland.

Read more about the campaign and how EmbraceScotland is encouraging visitors to discover Scotland through local eyes: https://www.assc.co.uk/press-release/new-embracescotland-campaign-encourages-visitors-to-stay-local-feel-more

VisitScotland

📸 Credit: simple from pixabay

17/06/2026

A draft Visitor Levy Scheme for East Lothian has been developed. Councillors are being asked to approve a statutory consultation on the draft scheme before any decision is taken on whether to introduce a Visitor Levy.

The draft scheme proposes a five per cent levy on paid overnight accommodation.. The report will be considered by Council on Tuesday 23 June.

A draft Visitor Levy Scheme for East Lothian has been developed. Councillors are being asked to approve a statutory consultation on the draft scheme before any decision is taken on whether to introduce a Visitor Levy.

17/06/2026

The Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers is disappointed by Perth & Kinross Council's decision to progress two Short-Term Let Control Areas.

Ahead of the Council meeting, the ASSC submitted a detailed briefing to elected members, urging an evidence-led approach and raising questions about the likely effectiveness, proportionality and measurable outcomes of the proposals.

Commenting on the decision, ASSC Chief Executive Fiona Campbell MBE said:

"There is no demonstrable link showing how restricting self-catering will deliver the affordable housing that local communities need. What it will do is damage a vital part of the local economy, undermine tourism, small family-run businesses, and the many jobs that depend on visitor spending across rural Perthshire.

It is also worth noting that the consultation itself attracted just over 200 responses and the council vote in favour was the narrowest possible - 20 votes to 19. That is hardly a ringing endorsement for a policy change of this magnitude and raises serious questions about whether the threshold for such a significant intervention has been met."

The ASSC believes policy interventions should be based on robust evidence and measurable outcomes. We will continue to engage constructively on behalf of Scotland's self-catering sector and advocate for housing solutions that address local needs without damaging the rural tourism economy.

https://www.assc.co.uk/short-term-let-regulations/assc-disappointed-as-perth-kinross-council-approves-short-term-let-control-areas

17/06/2026

Perth & Kinross Council has agreed to proceed with a consultation on the introduction of a Visitor Levy.

Ahead of the Council meeting, the Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers submitted a detailed briefing to elected members, encouraging an evidence-led approach and calling for careful consideration of the likely impacts on visitors, businesses, employment and local communities.

Commenting on the decision, ASSC Chief Executive Fiona Campbell MBE said:

"The ASSC is deeply concerned that Perth & Kinross Council is pressing ahead with a visitor levy consultation at this time. Scotland's self-catering sector is already operating under an accumulated regulatory burden that is stretching small, independent businesses to their limits. Adding costs on to holidays for families and budget-conscious consumers risks driving them elsewhere where their money goes further. We would urge the Council to reflect carefully on the evidence before them and we hope that when the consultation concludes, common sense will prevail and the Council will think twice before proceeding."

The ASSC will continue to engage with the consultation process and make the case for policies that are proportionate, evidence-based and support a thriving visitor economy.

https://www.assc.co.uk/visitor-levy/assc-raises-concerns-over-perth-kinross-visitor-levy-consultation

16/06/2026

🚨 We Need Your Response. Please Don't Scroll Past.

The ASSC Barometer Survey is one of the most important tools we have to demonstrate the realities facing Scotland's self catering sector.

Every response strengthens our evidence when engaging with government and key industry partners on the issues that matter most to operators.

⏳ It takes less than 10 minutes to complete and closes at midnight on 28th June 2026.

We need all self catering operators to take part. Please also share the survey with others in the sector to help us gather as many responses as possible.

Together, we can ensure the sector's voice is heard.

Complete the survey today ⬇️
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CVNSKTV

VisitScotland.org Scottish Tourism Alliance