The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has criticised Ross Greer MSP’s latest proposal to impose punitive taxes on short-term lets in an apparent attempt to protect Gaelic-speaking communities.
The industry has labelled his barmy plans as an evidence-free and ideologically driven fixation. Indeed, this is not the first time Ross Greer has targeted the self-catering sector. He previously attempted to insert measures into the Scottish Government’s Housing Bill in the last parliamentary session which failed to be agreed to by MSPs.
Notably, Mr Greer refused to meet with the ASSC or engage constructively with the sector when invited to do so, even when the CEO of the organisation is one of his own constituents. This continued unwillingness to listen to those directly impacted calls into question the sincerity and credibility of his proposals. The sector insists that the offer to meet remains open.
With his party leadership ambitions and need to garner more publicity, he has decided to revive the scapegoating of an industry that employs thousands throughout the country. Scotland’s £1bn self-catering sector supports nearly 30,000 jobs, bringing in vital revenue to rural and island communities, and keeps thousands of traditional properties viable that would otherwise fall into disrepair.
Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said:
“This is starting to feel less like serious policymaking and more like an unhealthy obsession. Ross Greer seems more interested in generating clickbait headlines than devising credible solutions to Scotland’s rural housing challenges. If protecting Gaelic-speaking communities is his goal, then we should be talking about investment in infrastructure and housing development, not scapegoating Scotland’s self-catering industry.
The ASSC supports housing solutions that strengthen communities rather than undermining vital rural businesses. However, we won’t stand aside while our members are once again targeted by a politician more focused on building his own profile than finding consensus. Mr Greer may want the Scottish Green crown but leadership means listening and sadly his fingers remain firmly lodged in his ears. Despite his previous refusal to meet with us, our door remains firmly open.”