The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) continues to work at pace across multiple regulatory and policy fronts to protect, support and strengthen Scotland’s self-catering sector.
Below is a summary of the key live workstreams we are actively progressing on behalf of members.
Over the past month, the ASSC has continued extensive engagement across government, parliament and the wider tourism sector.
This includes setting up meetings with newly elected MSPs, ministers, officials and local authorities, alongside collaboration with sector partners, detailed legal and policy analysis, consultation responses and evidence gathering from members across Scotland.
Much of this work happens quietly, but it is critical in ensuring that the voice of Scotland’s self-catering businesses is represented clearly at decision-making tables.
With the Scottish Parliament election now concluded, our focus has shifted to ensuring the self-catering sector is understood and represented within the new Parliament.
In the lead-up to the election, the ASSC hosted successful tourism hustings in both Inverness and Glasgow and launched our 2026 Election Manifesto, setting out clear priorities for the future of Scotland’s £1bn self-catering sector.
We are now engaging with newly elected MSPs and ministers, building relationships and ensuring policymakers understand both the economic contribution of the sector and the challenges facing operators across Scotland.
With a new Scottish Parliament now in place, we have a critical opportunity to change the narrative around Scotland’s self-catering sector.
The ASSC has produced a dedicated MSP briefing and is encouraging members to engage directly with their constituency and regional representatives. Personal stories and real-world experiences help policymakers better understand the realities of operating a self-catering business and the vital contribution the sector makes to local communities and economies.
Supporting this work, we recently published an independent report by the Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development, which reinforces the need for more balanced, evidence-led policymaking. The report highlights the sector’s £1bn contribution to Scotland’s economy, support for more than 29,000 jobs, and the cumulative impact of increasing regulation on self-catering businesses across Scotland.
The ASSC continues to press for reform of the 2026 Non-Domestic Rates revaluation methodology.
While sector-specific reliefs and valuation reductions were secured following sustained lobbying, official figures confirm that self-catering businesses have experienced some of the highest increases of any sector in Scotland.
We continue to support members through the appeals process, engage with Assessors and the Scottish Government, and press for a fairer, more transparent system ahead of the next revaluation.
The annual self-catering audit process is now underway across Scotland.
The ASSC has been working closely with the Scottish Assessors Association to ensure a proportionate and pragmatic approach to evidence requests and to provide clear guidance for operators.
We continue to challenge requests that go beyond statutory requirements while encouraging members to submit evidence proactively and within required timescales.
Member feedback remains invaluable in helping us identify inconsistencies and improve the process.
We remain actively engaged with the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) regarding significant increases in water and sewerage charges linked to higher Rateable Values.
Our work is focused on ensuring the cumulative impact of these charges is properly understood and considered as part of wider discussions around affordability and business sustainability.
We will continue to represent member concerns as consultation opportunities emerge over the coming months.
The ASSC continues to challenge regulatory approaches that are not supported by evidence.
Recent Freedom of Information responses have confirmed that neither Edinburgh nor Highland Council can demonstrate measurable housing benefits arising from existing Planning Control Areas.
At the same time, proposals for further Planning Control Areas continue to emerge, including new consultations in the Highlands.
We are engaging directly with councils, ministers and officials, while continuing to advocate for a more proportionate, evidence-led framework that supports both housing objectives and Scotland’s visitor economy.
Our advocacy work remains focused on:
We are not only responding to challenges, but actively driving reform to ensure Scotland’s self-catering sector is treated fairly, proportionately and sustainably.
This advocacy is only possible through ASSC membership and contributions to our Advocacy Fund.
If you are not currently a member, joining strengthens our collective voice and ensures you are represented on the issues shaping the future of self-catering.
If membership is not right for you at this time, you can still support our work by donating to the ASSC Advocacy Fund.
👉 Join the ASSC or support our advocacy work here