What a fantastic day in Dundee!
Yesterday, the ASSC team, along with our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees, gathered in Dundee for an inspiring and productive Regional Gathering. The day was filled with insightful discussions, valuable networking opportunities, competitions, and exciting exhibitions. We explored the future of Scotland’s self-catering industry, shared ideas for growth, and tackled some of the most pressing challenges facing operators today.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success – from sponsors Howden, Booking.com, SuperControl, TouchStay, and EmbraceScotland, to the speakers, exhibitors and attendees who made the day truly special.
A few words from ASSC CEO, Fiona Campbell:
“What an incredible day in Dundee! The energy, passion, and commitment from everyone at the ASSC Regional Gathering were truly inspiring. We tackled the big issues – from the Visitor Levy and STL licensing to FHL tax changes while also celebrating the resilience and innovation that define Scotland’s self-catering sector.
The message was clear: despite the challenges, our industry is strong, united, and determined to push for fairer, more balanced regulations. A huge thank you to our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees for making the day such a success. Let’s keep the momentum going – our sector’s future depends on it!”
Thriving Together: Key Highlights
🔑 State of the Nation – Fiona Campbell, ASSC Chief Executive
Fiona Campbell kicked off the day with a powerful State of the Nation address, highlighting the critical challenges facing Scotland’s self-catering industry. From the impact of Short-Term Let (STL) licensing and planning regulations to the looming changes in the Furnished Holiday Let (FHL) tax regime, Fiona reinforced the ASSC’s commitment to advocating for fairer, proportionate regulations that support small businesses rather than hinder them.
She called for stronger collaboration across the industry, urging operators to engage with policymakers, share their experiences, and push for meaningful reform. Despite the challenges, Fiona reminded attendees of the resilience of the sector and the exciting opportunities for growth through innovation, marketing, and collaboration.
📈 Regional Tourism Insights – Caroline Warburton, Destination Development Director at VisitScotland
Following Fiona, Caroline Warburton shared key tourism insights, including a 14% rise in international arrivals last year. She discussed shifting consumer behaviours, particularly the growing demand for sustainable and authentic travel experiences. Caroline stressed that businesses adapting to these evolving market dynamics will be best positioned for success.
🎯 Self-Catering Success – Victoria Brooks, Strategy, Marketing and Communications at the ASSC
Next, Victoria Brooks from ASSC took the stage to share her top tips for self-catering success, focusing on practical marketing strategies and customer engagement techniques. Her insights were incredibly valuable for operators looking to enhance their business, boost bookings, and stay ahead of industry trends.
“You may have heard the phrase, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” Well, we can do better than that! Self-caterers are Hosts of All Trades and Masters of Comfort!” – Victoria Brooks
Panel Discussion: Tackling Scotland’s Self-Catering Challenges
After an engaging exhibition session, the afternoon featured an expert-led panel discussion, chaired by Fiona Campbell. The panel brought together key industry experts to discuss the biggest challenges facing self-catering operators today:
- Murdo Fraser MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Tourism: highlighted Scotland’s tourism growth and the need for regulatory reform. He spoke about supporting rural self-catering businesses and ensuring they can thrive despite rising costs. Murdo also called for a regulatory “handbrake” to prevent unnecessary burdens on small businesses.
- Ross Armstrong, Head of Professional Services at STL Solutions: addressed planning inconsistencies across Scotland, explaining how STL licensing has exposed long-standing weaknesses in planning laws. He called for a clearer, more consistent framework to help operators navigate this challenging regulatory landscape.
- Neil Christison, Regional Director at VisitScotland: provided an update on the visitor levy, warning of the financial strain it could place on small self-catering operators. He stressed the importance of early engagement and data collection to ensure fair implementation and noted that Edinburgh’s 2% compensation model could be a guide for other regions.
- Brian Wright Managing Director at FBD Consultancy, Accounts & Tax: gave crucial advice on the upcoming FHL tax changes, urging operators to prepare for the tax shift and explore alternative structures and reliefs. He also discussed Making Tax Digital and how technology can help businesses stay compliant.
- Joanna Millar, Director of The Licensing Company: tackled the issue of STL licensing, pointing out the inconsistencies in how local authorities are implementing the regulations. She called for urgent reform, urging councils to be more transparent and supportive towards operators.
Audience Q&A and Key Takeaways
The session wrapped up with an audience Q&A, where attendees discussed how to reshape the narrative around tourism, challenge negative perceptions, and highlight the positive economic and community impact of self-catering.
Fiona Campbell closed the event by reinforcing the need for collaboration, advocacy, and industry-wide engagement to ensure that future regulations support – rather than stifle – Scotland’s self-catering sector.
Members can view all presenter slides on the event page here: Regional Gathering – Dundee “Thriving Together: Self-Catering Success”. 26th February 2025 – ASSC
Looking Ahead
With exciting tourism events on the horizon – from the Tall Ships Festival in Aberdeen to the V&A Dundee exhibition – there are fantastic opportunities for self-catering operators to engage visitors and boost bookings.
A massive thank you to everyone who joined us in Dundee and contributed to the conversation. Let’s continue working together to shape a thriving future for Scotland’s self-catering industry!
We can’t wait to welcome you to our Inverness Regional Gathering on the 14th May, and our Stirling Regional Gathering in November – more details coming soon!