August 2021 - Page 4 of 8

‘Let us be’

Posted on August 16, 2021 by Fiona Campbell

‘Let us be’ – tourism and business leaders hit out as they claim Scottish Government plans for licensing on self-catering and bed and breakfast short-term rentals will be disastrous for the Highland economy.

The FSB’s Highlands & Islands Development Manager, David Richardson, said,

“FSB Scotland believes that the Scottish Government’s proposed Short Term Lets legislation is the wrong legislation at entirely the wrong time.

“It is being driven by circumstances in a few hot spots like Edinburgh’s Old Town, but rather than focussing on the needs of these localities, a massive, one-size-fits-all net is now being cast over all of Scotland’s self-caterers, B&Bs and others, no matter where they are located or what the local conditions. The Scottish Government is using a massive sledgehammer to crack a nut.

“The FSB supports the appropriate regulation of short term lets, but this is not it. All minds should be focused on rebuilding struggling businesses and local economies in what we hope is the aftermath of the pandemic, and now is not the time to be introducing heavy-handed and expensive new regulations.”

Submission to STL Consultation from Scottish Land & Estates

Posted on August 13, 2021 by Fiona Campbell

“As an organisation representing many rural businesses with interests in a variety of short-term lets we would like to note our regret that this consultation continues to be progressed at a time when the industry is reeling from the devastating impacts of Covid-19.

“The Scottish hospitality industry in particular has been severely impacted due to the lack of visitors during the preceding 18 months. At a time when those contributing to the vital tourism industry in Scotland should be receiving further sustained support from the Scottish Government, the sector finds itself having the additional burden of attempting to unravel the possible implications of these far-reaching proposals, including the closure of reputable and long-established businesses. The proposed licensing scheme is contrary to Scottish Government public messaging that Scotland offers and provides a welcoming hospitality industry, when these measures will potentially, according to a recent survey of Association of Scottish Self Caterers (ASSC) members, see the closure of up to 49% of holiday self-catering accommodation units.”

Read the full response: Short-Term Lets Consultation Response

Support on STL Legislation from Scottish Independent Hostels

Posted on August 13, 2021 by Fiona Campbell

“Scottish Independent Hostels has been following the debate about the proposed Short Term Lets legislation with interest. Our members are primarily based in rural locations and small communities and as an organisation we share the concerns of the ASSC about the legislation’s likely impact on fellow small rural businesses.

The COVID pandemic has already caused tremendous damage to the rural tourism economy in Scotland. We fear that the proposed legislation will only compound that damage and result in a further contraction of the whole rural tourism sector, with adverse effects for communities and a reduction in choice for the general public.

Whilst there are undeniable issues connected with the provision of rural housing, we feel that this is not the most appropriate solution, and that it is being pushed through at the wrong time.”