This week, Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), joined colleagues from PASC UK in a series of high-level meetings with MSPs and MPs to highlight the growing crisis facing Scotland’s short-term let sector.
Fiona Campbell MBE, ASSC CEO, said:
“This week, I was pleased to join colleagues from PASC UK for a series of constructive meetings with MSPs and MPs to discuss the urgent need for reform of Scotland’s short-term let regulations.
We delivered a clear and consistent message: the current approach is not working. Since the introduction of the licensing scheme, small, family-run businesses across Scotland have faced mounting confusion, costs, and closures. Many have been forced to shut their doors entirely. Operators are grappling with a complex and, at times, contradictory web of licensing and planning requirements—often inconsistent across local authorities, and in some cases, deemed unlawful by the courts. Edinburgh’s licensing scheme alone has now been overturned twice.
The human impact cannot be understated. Our recent survey shows that 89% of operators report the ongoing uncertainty is affecting their mental health. These are not faceless corporations – they are local people who have long supported Scotland’s vibrant tourism economy, rural communities, and world-renowned festivals.
It is important to be clear: we are not opposed to regulation. On the contrary, we have consistently advocated for proportionate, evidence-based measures that protect guest safety, provide meaningful data for government, and ensure robust enforcement against rogue operators. Unfortunately, the current regime fails to meet these aims, and is actively undermining Scotland’s reputation as a world-class destination.
We extend our sincere thanks to Daniel Johnson MSP, Murdo Fraser MSP, Rachael Hamilton MSP, Willie Rennie MSP and other members of the Scottish Parliament who listened to the lived experiences of operators. I’m also grateful to Alistair Carmichael MP, Harriet Cross MP, Angus Macdonald MP, Andrew George MP, Caroline Voaden MP and Jayne Kirkham MP for engaging thoughtfully in this important discussion.
There is still time to get this right. But that will require a shift away from political posturing and towards pragmatic, evidence-led policy that delivers for communities, businesses, and the wider tourism sector.”