1. Representation – The ASSC lobbies on behalf of self-catering on national and local issues, and is generally recognised by consultative bodies, and local and central government, as a respected and effective voice.  Your interests are also represented to VisitScotland and its Quality & Standards Scheme, the Scottish Tourism Forum, Scottish Enterprise, and many more…  ASSC is also a partner in the UK-wide Federation of National Self-Catering Associations.
2. Real value for money – Membership starts at literally a few pence a day.  Alongside many comparable packages of business services, our costs are extraordinarily low for the benefits offered. 
3. Advice, News and Networking – Our regular ASSC e-newsletter, magazine, annual conference and exclusive members’ website keep you informed and in touch throughout the year.  This includes Guidance Sheets on a range of topics and trends affecting the self-catering industry, including Licensing, Fire Regulations, Rates, Customer Feedback, and many others.
4. Opportunities for exchanging views and benefits with other members online and face to face – An online Discussion Forum allows members to engage actively with each other at any time, and to exchange views and best practice. The annual Conference and AGM attracts members from far and wide learn from each other as well as from outside personalities and experts in tourism.  To many members a key benefit of membership is the feeling of belonging, having a common cause, working together, supporting and promoting other members.
5. Marketing Channels and Support – For members who take the marketing option, we can boost your bookings 24 hours a day.  You have complete control over your Property Page(s) on our popular and well publicised consumer-facing website, www.embracescotland.co.uk, to promote your business and bring you extra traffic. We promote the EmbraceScotland brand and website on your behalf throughout the year.  We also offer extra opportunities for increased exposure of your accommodation via special offers and promotions.*
6. Directory  – An opportunity for a display advert (at modest extra cost) in our full-colour annual brochure promoted throughout the UK and overseas.*
7. ASSC Logo  – The right to use the ASSC logo to add prestige and quality assurance to your branding.*
8. Free Business Advice
        Legal Helpline: telephone advice from a specialist firm of lawyers
        Tax Watchdog: initial advice from an approved firm of accountants  
        Green Visits: free advisory visits for members considering the Green
        Tourism Business Scheme
9. Insurance – Custom-made insurance policies at keen rates for self-caterers, covering buildings, contents, public liability and cancellation.
10. Discounted Supplies  – Our list of recommended specialist suppliers to the trade includes many who offer discounts to members to save you £££s.

MEMBERSHIP CAN INCREASE YOUR BUSINESS AND DECREASE YOUR COSTS!

But it’s not just about saving money.  Here’s what some of our members say:

“Every year I look at what’s worked for me in the way of advertising and what hasn’t and ruthlessly kill off those which haven’t delivered.  But the ASSC is one I would NEVER kill off.  It delivers well for me on the marketing side, but it’s all the other benefits I get that make membership so indispensable. I long ago stopped operating in a vacuum and feel part of a “club” of like-minded people.”
Geraldine Hamilton, Crosswoodhill Farm Holiday Cottages near Edinburgh 

“Buy one get one free! Subscribe to the Embrace Scotland website and get the support, guidance and advantages of belonging to a professional body free of charge!” 
Fiona Briggs, Antonine Wall Cottages, Bonnybridge

“The ASSC has been extremely useful to us in the running of our business.  It has provided us with such helpful information about basic but important things like rates revaluation, private water supplies, and fire safety regulations, as well as giving us the opportunity to network with others running similar businesses.  It has also been supportive to us in so many ways, and provided us with answers to many small administrative queries. The annual AGM meeting is now a highlight in our calendar.” 
Denys Mathieson,  Appin House Lodges, Argyll

“The annual subscription is excellent value for money and I only wish we had known about ASSC at our planning stage. The help, support, and advice is invaluable”. 
Carol Houghton, Airhouse Luxury Lodges,  Lauder