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Category: Press Release

Press Release: First Regional Get-together Kicks Off Summer Season in Style

Posted on by Fiona Campbell

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers held the first of their 2022 get-together events at Inverary Castle on Wednesday 8th June. The evening reception, hosted by Torquhil Campbell, Duke of Argyll, was a roaring success with over 100 guests in attendance.

The purpose of the event was to toast being able to see one another in person, once again, to honour the resilience, determination and professionalism of ASSC members and to celebrate the vital role of self-catering in Scottish tourism. Also, to recognise the continuing hard work of the ASSC, ensuring that Scottish self-catering has a voice that is being heard by decision-makers at every level of government throughout the country, and to thank those who have supported us.

The event saw presentations from the ASSC’s Chief Executive Fiona Campbell, Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Destination Development, VisitScotland, Marc Crothall MBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Tourism Alliance and Cathy Craig, Chief Executive, Argyll & the Isles Tourism Co-operative.

The event was also attended by Fergus Murray, Head of Development & Economic Growth, Argyll & Bute Council, Councillor Mark Irvine, and Provost Maurice Corry, alongside partners and trade suppliers and, of course, Members of the ASSC.

Attendees were treated to spectacular whisky cocktails from North Star Spirits, canapes from Cu Mara Bistro, supported by Loch Fyne Oysters, Chrystal’s Shortbread and Tunnock’s.

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, said:

“It was truly wonderful to hold our first get-together event of the year and to see so many smiling faces in person. It was a true celebration, after the torrid time that the sector has endured and the challenges that we continue to face.

“I want to think our generous host, The Duke of Argyll, as well as all of our speakers, partners and attendees for making this event so much fun and so special. We are already planning the next one.”

Link to photos.

A video to give a flavour of the event, from one of our sponsors, North Star Spirits.

Testimonials from Partners:

“”I loved the event… beautiful canapés, interesting people, casual format. Some great connections made. It was great to meet so many enthusiastic members and put names to faces. We will be happy to attend the next regional event and are here in the meantime to support ASSC Members” DM Hall

I had a great time at the event, it was by far one of the best events that I’ve attended” Zeal

 

Self-Caterers Launch First-Ever Local Election Manifesto

Posted on by Melanie Allen

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers has launched its first-ever local government election manifesto.

Self-Catering: Local, Reliable, Sustainable: The ASSC’s Manifesto for Scotland’s Local Government Elections sets out the association’s four key priorities for Scottish self-catering as it recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the manifesto, self-caterers are urging local politicians to commit to minimising the burden of short-term let licensing by working closely with small business, monitoring the impact of the policy, and pledging not to impose additional conditions on already hard-pressed businesses.

The manifesto also calls for an evidence-based approach to the use of short-term let control areas and for such decision-making not to be based on crude hearsay and anecdote.

Additionally, the ASSC is asking those who find themselves in power to reject the introduction of local tourism levies, should the power to do so flow to them from Holyrood.

Finally, Scotland’s self-caterers are imploring local councils to promote self-catering as a sustainable tourism option in their areas, drawing particular attention to the role that the industry has in helping the environment, and local economies, flourish across Scotland.

In launching Self-Catering: Local, Reliable, Sustainable, the ASSC hopes to encourage a step-change in thinking around short-term lets, cut through the often-inaccurate rhetoric surrounding what self-caterers do, and help local governments across Scotland understand and appreciate that there is a bright future for tourism in their areas, with self-catering playing a vital role.

ASSC_2022_manifesto

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, said:

“I am thrilled to launch our manifesto ahead of these vital local elections.

“Hardworking and dedicated self-caterers across Scotland have had a really tough time throughout the pandemic and we need the help of our local politicians to get us back to doing what we do best.

“I would urge everyone standing in these elections to consider our moderate, sensible, and evidence-backed proposals and to think about the benefits that they will have for the communities they wish to represent.”

ENDS

ASSC Announces Working Relationships with Brodies LLP and Houghton Planning

Posted on by Fiona Campbell

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers welcomes Brodies LLP and Houghton Planning Limited as Partners for Business.

The Partners for Business scheme aims to secure a collaborative relationship between the ASSC and leading experts in industry, who provide a valuable contribution to the work of the ASSC and the support of its members.

Agreements will see the leading UK law firm and established planning consultancy provide the trade body for Scottish self-catering with advice on short-term let planning law and practice.

The new deal will complement the ASSC’s other partnership with Gilson Gray LLP, who provide legal advice and counsel on all matters relating to short-term let licensing.

Brodies LLP offers clients specialist legal planning advice, and has previously assisted the ASSC with legal opinion on planning matters.

Houghton Planning has indicated that they can help ASSC members navigate the Scottish planning system by offering practical advice on how to prepare and submit a Planning Application, or Certificate of Lawfulness. They will also explain the differences between the two processes, and can offer advice on which is likely to be the most appropriate for individual members to pursue.

In the wake of the implementation of the Scottish Government’s short-term let regulation, the ASSC, and its network of partners including Brodies LLP and Houghton Planning Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to helping ASSC members comply with all laws and rules that they are required to.

In addition, the ASSC is also focused on making sure that its members, who represent the core of Scotland’s professional self-catering sector, have the legal guidance, advice, and support that they need to do their jobs.

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, said:

“I’m delighted that the ASSC is partnering with the experts at Brodies and Houghton Planning.

“At a time in which self-catering is facing yet more onerous and counterproductive regulations, it will reassure our members to know that they’ve got robust professional advice behind them.

“As a trade body, we’re dedicated to ensuring that our members have everything they need to keep their businesses thriving, whether that is advice, counsel,  representation, or anything else.”