New EmbraceScotland Visitor Website and Jackets Optional Campaign Film Launched

SCOTLAND’S tourism industry is set for a boost with the launch of an exciting new venture to help visitors book the best self-catering accommodation in the country.

EmbraceScotland, from the Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers (ASSC), is the online go-to destination for tourists to custom-build their stay on these shores.

The new campaign, called ‘Jackets Optional’, features both the launch of the brand new web portal for visitors to Scotland, from near and far, and a specially produced film, which showcases the best that Scotland has to offer, whatever the weather. 

The web portal empowers holidaymakers to book unique self-catering holiday cottages directly with operators and provides potential guests with breaks in ‘the real Scotland’, giving holiday let owners a commission-free booking platform bringing engaged guests to their self-catering holiday home.

The film, a legacy to build on VisitScotland’s Year of Stories 2022, not only gets to the heart of the beauty and serenity of our country, but it also shows the nostalgia and the sensory overload you can experience in Scotland. The film conveys that a self-catering holiday in Scotland can be about relaxation, or it can be an adventure. It could be an adrenaline rush, or it could just be about getting away from everything you’re used to, whether you need a jacket or not.

Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of the Association of Self-Caterers, said“Scotland has so much to offer every visitor to our country. Unrivaled beauty, striking landscapes, peace and tranquility, and even occasional inclement weather. We are delighted to launch our platform and accompanying film today, to showcase all that Scotland has to offer. Scotland has some of the best destinations anywhere in the world and we want to make it as easy as possible for people planning to visit to find them.”

Vicki Miller, Visit Scotland Director of Marketing, said“Digital channels play a significant role in marketing Scotland both domestically and internationally, helping consumers research and book their trips. Our own research shows that people are seeking out emotional connections when they choose to travel. The EmbraceScotland film shows the variety of what’s on offer, year-round, to meet those needs and boost visitors’ wellbeing.”  

Jackie Robertson, Owner Knoydart Hide, said: “Doing things differently… a stay at Knoydart Hide and Knoydart House Studio Room begins from the moment you step into our world. The slow adventure starts with an individualised and direct personal booking experience to our award-winning honeymoon hideaways. We know how important family and reconnection time is, it’s not just about the hot tub under the stars, the breakfast in bed views to die for or the dolphins escorting your ferry across the loch.  We live and love to create magic for our guests. Going under the radar and above the parapet to share with you our unique sense of place in the West Coast of Scotland where you can slow down beautifully. Cultures, traditions, landscapes, music and people all waiting to be discovered only through EmbraceScotland.”

Embrace Scotland ‘Jackets Optional’ Campaign Film

Editor’s Notes

For more information, contact Victoria Brooks: victoria@assc.co.uk 07868 339404, Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers

John Crawford (john@halogencom.com) or Fraser McGowan, (fraser@halogencom.comHalogen Communications, 0131 202 0120 or 07999 059089.

A selection of images are available to use with the Press Release on request and the film can be found at embracescotland.co.uk and on EmbraceScotland’s social channels.

Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers

Founded in 1978, the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) represents over 1,700 members, operating self-catering properties throughout Scotland, from city centre apartments to rural cottages, to lodges and chalets, to castles. Our vision is that the ASSC takes the leading role in advancing a vibrant and prosperous self-catering sector recognised as pivotal to the future of Scotland’s tourism economy. Our purpose is to empower our diverse and professional membership, enabling them to deliver exceptional experiences to guests. Our focus is on supporting businesses and communities in the promotion of Scottish self-catering as a sustainable, inclusive and responsible form of accommodation.

https://www.assc.co.uk

Happy Christmas and a Peaceful, Successful and Healthy 2023

The ASSC team would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful, Successful and Healthy 2023.

We will be taking a well-earned rest over the Christmas period. Our offices will be closed from Thursday 22nd December until Thursday 5th January.

“As we approach the end of another year of challenge, change and progress, I would like to convey my thanks to all of you for your continued loyalty as members of the ASSC. We are one big community, working together to ensure the very best for our sector and for the tourism economy of Scotland.

Despite the challenges that we face, as an association, our vision is that the ASSC takes the leading role in supporting and promoting a vibrant and prosperous self-catering sector that is recognised as pivotal to the future of Scotland’s Tourism Economy. Our purpose is to empower our diverse and professional membership, enabling them to deliver exceptional experiences to guests. Our focus is on supporting individuals, businesses and communities in the promotion of Scottish self-catering as a sustainable, inclusive and responsible form of accommodation, at the heart of Scotland’s tourism offer.

As we continue our role to lead, represent and support our members, the small team working behind the scenes quietly continue to go above and beyond the call of duty which reaffirms their strength, passion and commitment to our members, the sector and to the organisation. I would like to convey my thanks to them for all the additional work that has been carried out in 2022 as we continue to navigate through rapidly changing regulations and ongoing challenges whilst continuing our day-to-day roles.

The challenges will continue into 2023 but I am confident that there will also be significant opportunities ahead for the self-catering sector in Scotland.

Thank you for your ongoing support and patience and we very much look forward to working with you all in 2023.”

Fiona Campbell, ASSC CEO

Making Tax Digital: Delay

The Treasury has confirmed a two-year delay to the Making Tax Digital for income tax (MTD ITSA) timetable, with the First Secretary to the Treasury issuing a written statement confirming the changes.

The timetable change followed weeks of urgent calls from professional bodies such as the CIOT, HMRC’s own Administrative Burdens Advisory Board, tax software representatives and practitioners.

Bowing to the inevitable, financial secretary to the Treasury Victoria Atkins released a ministerial statement setting out adjustments to the scope and timing phases of MTD ITSA:

  • two-year delay until April 2026 for mandatory MTD ITSA filing.
  • Minimum income reporting level increased to £50,000
  • Those earning more than £30,000 mandated to join the scheme in 2027.
  • The situation for landlords and sole traders earning less than £30,000 will be reviewed to see if MTD ITSA can be shaped to meet the needs of smaller businesses.
  • Partnerships will not be brought into MTD for ITSA as previously planned in 2025.
  • Points-based penalty system to be extended to MTD ITSA filers when they join.

While Atkins said the government remains committed to introducing MTD for ITSA to partnerships, the decision on when they might join the scheme will be taken at a later date, as for those on less than £30,000.  “The government understands businesses and self-employed individuals are currently facing a challenging economic environment, and that the transition to MTD for ITSA represents a significant change for taxpayers, their agents, and for HMRC,” the minister wrote.

To maximise the benefits of MTD for small business, the government opted to allow more time to prepare, “so that all businesses, self-employed individuals, and landlords within scope of MTD for Income Tax, but particularly those with the smallest incomes, can adapt to the new ways of working.”

The hotly anticipated MTD ITSA reset was inadvertently revealed shortly after 9am on Wednesday 14 December in a gov.uk post announcing an extension to the MTD ITSA pilot scheme that was taken down shortly afterwards. Update emails were also sent detailing the extension. The last time the Treasury faced such a unified chorus was last year, when the previous FST Lucy Frazer announced a 12-month delay to the timetable in September 2021.

With thanks to Brian Wright of FBD Consultancy, Accounts & Tax Ltd for this update.