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 reporting period, the ASSC has undertaken an intensive programme of engagement with local authorities across Scotland in relation to Visitor Levy proposals and Planning Control Areas (PCAs).
This work has included formal committee briefings, councillor engagement, policy analysis, media activity and direct correspondence with elected members. While the specific issues and recommendations have varied between authorities, the consistent themes have been evidence-led policymaking, proportionality, economic impact, legal robustness and the importance of understanding cumulative impacts on Scotland’s visitor economy.
A key feature of this work has been tailoring engagement to the circumstances of each local authority rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Where councils have demonstrated a willingness to engage, pause, gather evidence and work collaboratively with industry, this has been acknowledged and welcomed. Where significant concerns remain regarding evidence, process or likely outcomes, these have been robustly challenged.
During the reporting period, the ASSC responded to emerging housing policy discussions within the South of Scotland, following proposals to support the delivery of so-called “affordable housing” at an estimated cost of approximately £420,000 per unit.
A dedicated briefing was prepared for South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) Board members, challenging assumptions that short-term lets are a primary driver of housing pressures and encouraging a broader examination of structural housing constraints. The briefing highlighted that across Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders there are more than 11,000 second homes, empty homes and long-term empty homes, compared with approximately 2,400 secondary let applications. It also demonstrated that self-catering accommodation supports over £66 million in economic activity and more than 2,200 jobs across the region.
The briefing encouraged policymakers to focus on evidence-led solutions including bringing inactive housing stock back into use, increasing housing supply, improving planning delivery and addressing development viability, rather than relying on assumptions regarding visitor accommodation. The work formed part of the ASSC’s wider policy reset on housing, which continues to advocate for a more balanced and evidence-based understanding of Scotland’s housing challenges.
ASSC submitted a detailed briefing ahead of consideration of Visitor Levy proposals, focusing on economic impacts, business costs, proportionality and the absence of evidence demonstrating net economic benefit.
The briefing highlighted concerns regarding the impact on tourism businesses, administrative burdens and the wider visitor economy.
Outcome: Highly positive. Councillors voted not to proceed with a Visitor Levy, bringing the proposal to an end at this stage. The ASSC publicly welcomed the decision as an evidence-led outcome and an important recognition of the pressures already facing tourism businesses.
Read more: ASSC Urges Dumfries and Galloway to Pause Visitor Levy Considerations /ASSC Welcomes Decision to Reject Visitor Levy
ASSC prepared a comprehensive committee briefing addressing both the proposed Visitor Levy and Planning Control Area.
The briefing challenged the evidence base supporting both interventions and raised concerns regarding economic impacts, housing outcomes, proportionality and the cumulative impact of regulatory measures on tourism businesses.
Particular emphasis was placed on the lack of evidence demonstrating that Planning Control Areas deliver measurable housing benefits and the absence of robust economic assessment regarding the Visitor Levy.
Outcome: Disappointing. Both proposals progressed despite significant concerns regarding evidence, proportionality and likely effectiveness. However, the briefing generated considerable engagement with councillors, media and stakeholders, and established a clear evidence base for future advocacy.
Read more: ASSC Urges P&K to scrutinise evidence / ASSC disappointed that P&K will introduce PCAs / ASSC raises concerns over P&K Visitor Levy
The ASSC submitted a comprehensive response to East Lothian Council’s consultation on its proposed Visitor Levy Scheme, engaging directly with each consultation question and following the structure of the consultation document.
Whilst recognising the Council’s ambition to invest in tourism infrastructure and enhance the visitor economy, the Association’s response concluded that the proposals are not yet supported by sufficient evidence to demonstrate that a Visitor Levy would deliver a positive net economic benefit for East Lothian.
The submission consistently challenged the absence of a comprehensive Economic Impact Assessment, noting that whilst projected levy revenues had been modelled, no equivalent assessment had been undertaken of the potential impacts on visitor demand, business turnover, employment, Gross Value Added (GVA), destination competitiveness or the wider visitor economy. The ASSC argued that the central policy question is not how much revenue a levy might generate, but whether the overall benefits outweigh the economic and administrative costs imposed on visitors, businesses and the local economy.
The response also questioned the consultation process itself. Whilst the Draft Scheme proposes a single 5% percentage-based levy, consultees were subsequently asked to express a preference for fixed-amount and tiered fixed-amount alternatives without any comparative modelling, Economic Impact Assessment or operational analysis. The ASSC argued that, if these represented genuine policy options, they should have been fully evaluated and consulted upon alongside the preferred proposal before the Council identified its preferred approach.
Significant concerns were also raised regarding the administrative and legal responsibilities placed upon accommodation providers, including the cumulative compliance burden associated with calculating, collecting and remitting the levy, the interaction with VAT, and the additional regulatory risks created for licensed accommodation businesses.
The Association further called for stronger governance arrangements, greater transparency regarding the proposed Visitor Levy Forum, clearer investment priorities linked to measurable outcomes, and an explicit commitment that levy revenues should be genuinely additional to existing Council expenditure rather than replacing core public services.
Alongside the formal consultation response, the ASSC prepared and circulated a detailed briefing for elected members summarising the principal policy, economic and implementation issues raised by the proposals. Members operating within East Lothian were also encouraged to participate in the consultation to ensure that the experiences of accommodation providers and the wider visitor economy were fully reflected before any final decisions are taken.
Outcome: Consultation open.
ASSC prepared one of its most comprehensive briefings to date, covering both the proposed Visitor Levy and potential Planning Control Area.
The briefing focused on the importance of tourism to the Argyll and Bute economy, the distinction between self-catering businesses, second homes and empty homes, the lack of evidence supporting Planning Control Areas and the cumulative impact of multiple policy interventions on a highly tourism-dependent local authority.
The briefing also explored legal risks associated with planning controls, the interaction between Planning Control Areas and licensing requirements, and the importance of ensuring that interventions are evidence-based, proportionate and legally robust.
A significant focus of the briefing was the need for councillors to distinguish between genuine housing solutions and interventions which have not yet demonstrated measurable outcomes elsewhere in Scotland.
Outcome: Committee consideration pending.
ASSC adopted a notably different approach in relation to Highland Council.
The briefing explicitly welcomed the Council’s measured and collaborative approach, recognising Highland’s willingness to engage with industry, respond to legislative changes, commission additional evidence and avoid rushing towards implementation.
The briefing acknowledged that Highland has demonstrated many of the characteristics of evidence-led policymaking which the ASSC has consistently advocated for.
At the same time, Members were encouraged to continue that approach by awaiting completion of the Economic Impact Assessment, publication of revised national guidance and the emergence of meaningful implementation evidence from elsewhere in Scotland before progressing further.
Outcome: Outcome: On 25th June, THC councillors agreed to continue engagement with the tourism industry to gather evidence and help shape proposals for a visitor levy scheme. In addition:
This work will be supported by an economic impact assessment on fixed rate options, due to be completed by the autumn; and a further report will be presented to members as soon as is practicable (precise date TBC), setting out proposals for a visitor levy scheme and seeking approval to launch a formal consultation.
Several themes have emerged consistently across local authority engagement:
The ASSC’s approach continues to focus on ensuring that local policy decisions are informed by robust evidence, clear economic analysis and a proper understanding of both intended and unintended consequences.
Recent weeks have demonstrated the value of sustained, evidence-based local authority engagement.
While outcomes have varied, the decision by Dumfries & Galloway Council not to proceed with a Visitor Levy represents a significant advocacy success and demonstrates that robust evidence, constructive engagement and clear communication can influence policy outcomes.
Conversely, the progression of proposals in Perth & Kinross highlights the ongoing challenges facing the sector and reinforces the importance of continued advocacy, engagement and evidence gathering as further local authorities consider Visitor Levy and Planning Control Area proposals.
Perhaps most importantly, recent engagement has demonstrated that councils are not all approaching these issues in the same way. The ASSC has therefore deliberately tailored its engagement to the circumstances of each authority. Highland Council’s collaborative and evidence-led approach has been publicly welcomed, whilst stronger challenges have been directed towards authorities where significant concerns remain regarding evidence, process or likely outcomes.
This reflects the ASSC’s commitment to assessing each proposal on its merits and advocating for evidence-led policymaking rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all position.
Collectively, these briefings, councillor engagement activities, media interventions and news publications demonstrate the ASSC’s continued leadership in shaping local authority decision-making on Visitor Levies and Planning Control Areas across Scotland.
Parliamentary engagement remains a core component of the ASSC’s advocacy programme. Maintaining constructive relationships across all political parties helps ensure that MSPs understand the contribution of Scotland’s self-catering sector, the challenges facing operators, and the practical policy solutions required to support sustainable tourism, local communities and economic growth.
During the reporting period, engagement included the following meetings:
Rachael Hamilton MSP (28 May 2026)
I met with Rachael Hamilton MSP to congratulate her on her return to post and to discuss key priorities affecting Scotland’s self-catering sector.
The discussion focused on planning and regulatory reform, the cumulative impact of multiple policy interventions on small tourism businesses, and the importance of developing practical, evidence-led solutions through constructive cross-party engagement.
Miles Briggs MSP (28 May 2026)
I met with Miles Briggs MSP to discuss current challenges facing Scotland’s self-catering sector and the wider visitor economy.
The discussion covered planning restrictions, short-term let regulation, visitor levy implementation, and the need for proportionate, evidence-based policymaking that supports both sustainable tourism and thriving local communities.
Graham Simpson MSP (18 June 2026)
I met with Graham Simpson MSP to discuss current regulatory and policy issues affecting Scotland’s self-catering sector.
The discussion focused on planning controls, short-term let regulation, visitor levy implementation, and the need for policy decisions to be underpinned by robust evidence, economic impact assessment and the principles of regulatory proportionality.
Alongside individual MSP meetings, the ASSC continues to engage regularly with MSPs from across the political spectrum through parliamentary briefings, correspondence, committee engagement and policy discussions.
Current advocacy priorities remain focused on planning reform, proportional short-term let regulation, visitor levy implementation, non-domestic rates reform and ensuring that future housing and tourism policy is informed by robust evidence and a full understanding of the economic and social contribution made by Scotland’s self-catering sector.
Preparations are well underway for a joint parliamentary reception hosted by the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) and the Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG), which will take place in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 10 September 2026. The event will be hosted by Daniel Johnson MSP, Deputy Convener of the Economy, Tourism and Energy Committee.
The reception has been designed as an early engagement opportunity following the Scottish Parliament election, providing newly elected MSPs with the opportunity to meet representatives from Scotland’s tourism, hospitality and self-catering sectors in a positive and constructive setting.
The event will focus on:
The reception forms an important part of the Association’s wider public affairs strategy, helping to establish relationships with new parliamentarians from across all political parties at an early stage in the parliamentary term. It also provides an opportunity to reinforce the sector’s contribution to Scotland’s economy and communities, while positioning the ASSC as a constructive, evidence-led policy partner.
The event is being delivered collaboratively with the Scottish Hospitality Group, reflecting the importance of presenting a joined-up industry narrative on issues affecting the wider visitor economy. Formal invitations will be issued following the summer recess, with strong attendance anticipated from MSPs, Ministers and key industry stakeholders.
Global Agritourism Conference, 24th June 2026
Fiona represented the ASSC at the inaugural Global Agritourism Conference in Aberdeen, which welcomed more than 550 delegates from 50 countries.
In her capacity as a Director of Scottish Agritourism, she was invited to chair the international policy breakout session, bringing together expert speakers from the United States, the Philippines, Belarus and Canada to examine the role of public policy in supporting agritourism, rural diversification and sustainable economic development. Discussions focused on the importance of evidence-based policymaking, measuring policy success through outcomes rather than intervention alone, and ensuring regulatory frameworks reflect the practical realities faced by rural businesses.
The conference provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen existing international relationships, establish new connections and exchange knowledge with policymakers, academics, industry leaders and tourism practitioners from around the world. The recurring theme throughout the session was the importance of collaborative, proportionate and outcome-focused policy in enabling rural communities and tourism businesses to thrive.
Participation in the conference further enhanced the profile of both the ASSC and Scotland’s self-catering sector within an international context, reinforcing Scotland’s reputation as a leader in rural tourism, sustainable destination development and evidence-led policy discussion.
The event also marked the conclusion of Fiona’s six-year tenure as a Director of Scottish Agritourism.
European Holiday Homes Association General Assembly, 25th June 2026
Fiona represented the ASSC at the European Holiday Home Association (EHHA) General Assembly in Brussels. The meeting brought together national holiday home associations and industry representatives from across Europe to discuss emerging policy issues, future advocacy priorities and the sector’s collective response to an increasingly complex regulatory environment. The programme included a roundtable discussion with the Head of the European Commission’s Housing Task Force and the Greek Tourism Attache Permanent Representative, alongside strategic discussions on EHHA’s advocacy programme and future direction.
While the UK has left the European Union, many of the policy issues affecting Scotland’s self-catering sector continue to mirror those being debated across Europe. Housing, regulation, taxation, sustainability, digital platforms and the future of the visitor economy remain common challenges, making continued international engagement both valuable and necessary.
The General Assembly reinforced the importance of developing a joined-up narrative across the sector, ensuring that policy debates are informed by robust evidence and that the economic and social contribution of professionally operated holiday accommodation is consistently articulated. Collaboration with European partners continues to provide valuable insight into emerging policy trends, examples of good practice and opportunities to coordinate advocacy on issues of shared concern.
Maintaining ASSC’s active participation within EHHA ensures that Scotland remains connected to international policy discussions, allowing us both to learn from developments elsewhere and to contribute Scottish experience and evidence to wider European conversations.
Scale UK 2026
Fiona participated as a panel speaker at Scale UK 2026 alongside Alistair Handyside MBE, focusing on advocacy wins within the short-term rental and tourism sectors and exploring how effective industry engagement, evidence-led policymaking and collaborative working can help achieve meaningful policy outcomes.
The event brings together short-term rental professionals, industry leaders and sector partners from across the UK to discuss innovation, regulation, business growth and the future direction of the sector. Participation further strengthens the ASSC’s visibility and influence within wider international industry discussions while supporting ongoing partnership development and knowledge exchange across the sector. See more.
The ASSC has continued to secure extensive national, regional and trade media coverage across a wide range of issues affecting Scotland’s self-catering sector, including short-term let regulation, Planning Control Areas, Non-Domestic Rates revaluation, Visitor Levy proposals, tourism competitiveness and the wider economic contribution of the sector. Coverage has included engagement with national newspapers, broadcast media, trade publications and regional press, supporting the ASSC’s ongoing public affairs, advocacy and narrative change work. See more.