- The ASSC welcomes the publication of the Scottish Government’s timetable for the further easing of lockdown restrictions which provides a pathway for our industry to work towards reopening and provides a much needed boost for our sector. Following the publication of the strategic framework update last month, we called for more detail and clarity from the Scottish Government and we therefore commend them on the new timetable.
- The ASSC looks forward to receiving the further promised details on the funding that will be available to help us restart our businesses and get back to creating memory-making holidays for our customers. We also require further clarity from the Scottish Government on the impact on business of household restrictions, which will continue until we reach Level Zero, rendering businesses unviable, as well the much-needed financial support as a matter of extreme urgency.
- With international travel unlikely to be a viable option for the immediate future, we have a real opportunity to revitalise the domestic tourism market in Scotland and self-catering offers a safe and low-risk environment for families to take a well-deserved break after months of lockdown and help them rediscover our country.
- Self-catering operators are eager to take bookings and reopen their business after long periods of closure throughout the past year due to local and national lockdowns, as well as the racheting up of household restrictions. The industry recognised its role at helping to suppress the virus, which came at great personal and financial cost, but we are ready to reopen.
- We have robust government-backed cleaning protocols in place that underpin our commitment to the safe and responsible reopening. However, we do have some challenges in convincing some local communities who may have concerns. Both industry and the Scottish Government need to work together to communicate clearly to members of the public that this reopening is safe and evidence-led.
Fiona Campbell
Chief Executive, Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers