The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers has released its Autumn 2025 Barometer, presenting a stark evidence base on the realities facing Scotland’s self-catering sector. With 444 responses from operators across the country, the findings underline a sector under sustained strain – financially, operationally and personally.
Rising costs remain a defining challenge, compounded by ongoing uncertainty surrounding STL licensing, planning requirements and the future direction of Scottish Government policy. Concerns around Non-Domestic Rates and the Small Business Bonus Scheme continue to weigh heavily, with many operators signalling that further changes could threaten viability. Proposed minimum EPC standards add an additional layer of risk, particularly for traditional and rural properties where upgrades are costly or technically constrained.
While occupancy levels through 2025 have broadly held steady, forward bookings for winter remain notably weak, and business confidence continues to erode. The sector is overwhelmingly made up of micro-businesses – 79% are not VAT-registered and 84% operate commercial properties (available for 210+ nights) – leaving limited headroom to absorb escalating regulatory and financial pressures.
Although some operators identify pockets of opportunity, such as demand for nature-led experiences, sustainable tourism and targeted international markets, these remain secondary to the scale of challenge the sector currently faces.
The human impact is also becoming impossible to ignore. Over 61% of operators report a negative effect on their mental health or wellbeing, with regulatory uncertainty cited as the leading cause of stress. The findings make clear that the cumulative burden of licensing, planning, NDR, compliance and rising costs is no longer simply a business issue, it is affecting the people who underpin Scotland’s visitor economy.
Taken together, the Autumn 2025 Barometer highlights a sector that is committed, but increasingly stretched. Operators are calling for proportionate, stable and evidence-based policymaking that recognises both the economic contribution of self-catering and the limits of what small businesses can continue to absorb.
You can read the Executive Summary here.