“Green is the New Gold” – ASSC Regional Gathering Comes to Stirling 

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) today welcomes members, partners, and industry leaders to The Albert Halls, Stirling, for the final ASSC Regional Gathering of 2025 – themed “Green is the New Gold: Your Roadmap to Resilience in Scottish Self-Catering.” 

The event marks the culmination of a year of regional engagement across Scotland, bringing the self-catering community together to explore both the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of self-catering in Scotland. 

Hosted by Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of the ASSC, the Stirling Gathering brings together operators, exhibitors, and policy experts for an afternoon of discussion, collaboration, and practical insight into building a more resilient and responsible sector. 

Event Highlights 

Key sessions include: 

• State of the Nation Update – Fiona Campbell MBE sets out the outlook for Scotland’s self-catering sector and the priorities ahead. 

• Panel: “Green is the New Gold” – Led by Melanie Allen, Director of SCOTO, with contributions from Booking.com, Loch Ken Eco Bothies, and the ASSC, this discussion explores what it truly means to operate responsibly in today’s tourism landscape. 

• Panel: “Tourism at a Crossroads – Regulation, Resilience and the Road Ahead” – Chaired by Fiona Campbell MBE, with expert insights from WYM Rating, Burness Paull, and Dame Jackie Baillie MSP, addressing current pressures such as short-term let regulations, non-domestic rates, and the visitor levy, while focusing on practical solutions for business resilience. 

• Live Q&A – Delegates will have the opportunity to put their questions directly to Fiona Campbell MBE. 

 Supporting Local Communities 

As part of its ongoing commitment to responsible tourism and community engagement, the ASSC is proud to support Start Up Stirling, a local charity providing essential assistance to people facing crisis. 

Delegates are encouraged to contribute non-perishable food items or donations, supporting Start Up Stirling’s mission to combat food insecurity and social isolation across the region. 

“As we gather in Stirling for our final event of 2025, we reflect not only on the challenges that the self-catering sector continues to face, but also on the extraordinary resilience, innovation, and community spirit that define it,” said Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers. 

“The theme ‘Green is the New Gold’ captures our belief that responsible, sustainable tourism isn’t just good for the planet – it’s good for business. Through collaboration, practical action, and shared purpose, Scotland’s self-catering operators are leading the way towards a stronger, more sustainable future for our industry and our communities.”