ASSC Spring Barometer 2026 reveals resilient sector under growing pressure

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has today published its Spring Barometer 2026, revealing a sector that remains committed to Scotland’s visitor economy but is facing mounting pressure from rising costs, increasing regulation and policy uncertainty.

Based on responses from 554 self-catering businesses across Scotland, the report provides a comprehensive snapshot of business performance, confidence and the challenges facing operators.

The findings show that while Scotland’s self-catering businesses remain resilient and passionate about delivering high-quality visitor experiences, cumulative financial and regulatory pressures are increasingly affecting profitability, investment decisions and the wellbeing of business owners.

Key findings include:

• 93% identified rising business costs as a major or moderate challenge.
• 90% identified cumulative regulatory pressures as a major or moderate challenge.
• 68% said the pressures of running their business have affected their mental health or wellbeing.
• 76% identified regulatory uncertainty as one of the biggest factors affecting their wellbeing.
• 78% said removing the Small Business Bonus Scheme would negatively affect their business.
• 44% reported that occupancy during 2026 to date is worse than in 2025.
• 60% intend to remain in business beyond 2026, with a further 8% intending to downscale.
• The proportion of businesses reporting a proposed Planning Control Area has risen sharply from 1.9% in Autumn 2025 to 15.5%.

The report also highlights growing concern over planning uncertainty, Non-Domestic Rates and the cumulative impact of multiple regulatory requirements. Respondents described the challenges they face as interconnected, with many reporting that increasing costs and administrative burdens are making it more difficult to invest, plan for the future and remain competitive.

One respondent summed up the feeling across much of the sector:

“With so many concerning factors at play, everything becomes a big issue… it’s hard to see the wood for the trees!”

The survey also reveals the significant personal impact these pressures are having on operators. More than two-thirds of respondents reported that running their business has affected their mental health or wellbeing, with one respondent commenting:

“Biggest challenge is now definitely the personal health impact – massive increase in stress levels and uncertainty, sleeplessness etc.”

Despite these challenges, the report also identifies reasons for confidence. Many businesses highlighted opportunities through experience-led tourism, repeat visitors, stronger collaboration with local businesses and Scotland’s continued appeal as a world-class destination.

The ASSC believes the findings demonstrate the importance of creating a stable, proportionate and predictable policy environment that enables small tourism businesses to invest, innovate and continue contributing to Scotland’s visitor economy.

Read the Executive Summary Spring 2026 report to explore the findings in more detail here