Large (7 or more guests) Self-Catering Grant

The Large (7 or more guests) Self-Catering Grant is part of a £7m funding package that has been designed to mitigate the serious impact that the single household restriction has had on the vital part of Scotland’s tourism industry.

Self-catering properties that accommodate more than seven guests have been effectively forced to close by the rule and many have been left without any reliable means of income or government support. It is hoped that the money will ensure the viability of such businesses into the future.

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, said:

“We very much welcome the announcement of this vital support package for Scotland’s self-catering sector and we look forward to working with the Scottish Government to get it to where it is most sorely needed.

“Today’s announcement will undoubtably be accompanied by sighs of relief from self-caterers across Scotland, many of whom have seen the viability of their businesses put in doubt.”

Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“It is clear that some larger self-catering properties have been uniquely impacted, initially by the rule restricting the number of guests to six from two households, and then by the single household rule.

“I am pleased to confirm the details of this extra support for self-catering businesses. This will be targeted directly where it is needed most, to those self-catering businesses that have been severely impacted by the restriction on household numbers. All self-catering and other accommodation providers are already in scope for regular payments from the SFBF and I would encourage business owners to make sure they have registered with their local authority for this support.”

Self-Catering Units’ rateable values are based on the number of bed-spaces that your business provides per rateable value (not including sofa-beds). 

Smaller Self-Catering Businesses

All self-catering businesses registered on Non-Domestic Rates (regardless of whether you benefit from Small Business Bonus Scheme), are still eligible for the Strategic Framework Business Fund Grants, including those on Level 3 Islands:

Grants will be paid every 4 weeks in arrears as long as restrictions last.

If your business is required to close by law, apply for the Temporary Closure grant:

• £2,000 if your business premises has a rateable value of up to and including £51,000
• £3,000 if your business premises has a rateable value of £51,001 or above
• From 1 January 2021 there will no longer be an upper limit of £15,000 for any eligible business operating multiple premises.

Applications to the Strategic Framework Business Fund should be made through your local authority website.