The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has responded to a recent article in the Press and Journal about Pennan, highlighting concerns that the piece misrepresented the role of short-term lets in the village.
In a letter to the editor, Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of ASSC, wrote:
“Dear Editor,
I write in response to your recent article on Pennan which was misleadingly framed around the prevalence of Airbnbs and second homes. Having read the piece in full, I was struck by the disconnect between the headline and the substance of the article itself.
The central issue was not short-term letting but the significant cost burden associated with conservation requirements and lack of affordable options for residents to maintain their homes. These are important and legitimate concerns which merit attention. However, presenting the story primarily through an Airbnb lens oversimplifies a far more complex issue.
It is also important to ground this discussion in evidence. According to Aberdeenshire Council’s own public register, there are only two licensed short-term lets in Pennan. This is clearly not indicative of any scale that could reasonably be linked to depopulation.
More broadly, short-term lets play a valuable role in supporting local economies across the North East, providing an annual £30m boost. They sustain tourism, generate income for local businesses, and supply flexible accommodation in areas where hotel provision can be limited. Moreover, Airbnb is simply one booking platform among many; and short-term lets are not synonymous with second homes, a distinction frequently overlooked.
If we are to have a meaningful conversation about rural depopulation and community sustainability, it is essential that this is based on accurate representation and a clear understanding of the underlying drivers. Headlines that do not reflect the evidence risk perpetuating misconceptions rather than contributing to meaningful solutions.
In light of this, I would ask that you consider issuing a clarification or correction to ensure that readers are not left with a misleading impression of the role of short-term lets in Pennan.
All the very best,
Fiona Campbell MBE”