ASSC Sectoral Survey: The Impact of Coronavirus Restrictions: ‘Rule of One Household’ to Self-Catering in Scotland

Background

• On 22 September, the ASSC received assurance from the Scottish Government that the ban on visiting other households did not include self-catering units. This message was shared widely with the press, the public, and tourism stakeholders.
• On 23 September, National Clinical Director, Professor Jason Leitch, appeared on BBC Radio Scotland’s Mornings with Jackie Brambles programme and said, “…you can’t have two households in self-catering so that would be like allowing them in your own home.”
• Also on 23 September, following an urgent request for clarification, the Scottish Government told the ASSC first that, contrary to the comments made by Professor Leitch, their advice remained the same and that it was not the intention of the restrictions to include self-catering.
• However, a few hours later, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Fergus Ewing, said that the one household restriction would, in fact, apply to self-catering from Friday 25 September.Survey Overview
  • This was publicised via ASSC newsletters, as well as on the ASSC’s social media pages over 48 hours.
  • The online survey elicited 1136 responses from both ASSC members and non-ASSC members alike.
  • 608 Members of the ASSC (54% of respondents) took part, with another 528 (46%) non-member self-catering operators.
  • The results offer valuable insights from Scottish self-catering operators in a sector that has beenestimated to contribute over £723m each year to the Scottish economy.

  Key Findings

  • Almost three-quarters have been negatively impacted financially by the new restrictions.
  • Nearly 60% of self-caterers have already experienced cancellations.
  • 42% expect financial losses of between £1,000-£10,000 up until the end of the year, 17% expect losses ofbetween £10,000 and £20,000, while 13% expect more than £20,000.
  • Three quarters of self-caterers are somewhat or very pessimistic about their business over the next 3 to 6months.
  • The impact is not purely financial as 55% of self-caterers have experienced mental health issues or somemild anxiety associated with the Covid-19 restrictions.
  • Nearly 60% would like to see the introduction of financial support from the Scottish Government to helpmitigate the impact of the new changes
  • Three-quarters want clear communications from the Scottish Government on changes to restrictions.

  ASSC Sectoral Survey on Social Gathering Impact of Single Household Restrictions

  Read the Press Release: Scottish Government Household Ban Puts Self-Catering on Brink