The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) is proud to share groundbreaking research led by Fiona Campbell, CEO of the ASSC, alongside Masood Khodadadi, published in the prestigious Research in Hospitality Management Journal.
Titled “The Impact of Short-Term Let Regulations on Mental Health in Scotland’s Self-Catering Sector: A Policy-Oriented Framework for Future Resilience,” the study provides a critical analysis of the challenges faced by short-term let (STL) operators in Scotland, particularly the psychological and financial strain resulting from recent regulatory changes.
Using pulse survey data gathered from ASSC members, the research reveals significant stress and anxiety among operators, with particularly acute concerns in Edinburgh due to licensing uncertainties. Meanwhile, rural operators report financial strain, operational instability, and concerns over social stigma within their communities.
The study highlights:
Fiona Campbell, co-author of the study, emphasised the importance of placing mental health at the heart of policy discussions, ensuring that regulations do not come at the cost of the well-being and sustainability of self-catering businesses.
As discussions on the future of Scotland’s self-catering sector continue, this research serves as an important evidence base for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and operators alike. The ASSC remains committed to advocating for fair, proportionate, and sustainable regulation that supports both business resilience and mental well-being.
📖 Read the full Open Access paper here.