Last week, the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) completed a 580-mile campaign roadshow across Scotland with one powerful message:
“Stop Scapegoating Scotland’s Self-Catering Sector”
From Edinburgh to Glasgow, Helensburgh to Inverness and Perth to Glenrothes, our team brought together MSPs, self-catering businesses and media to share the FACTS.
This wasn’t just a roadshow, it was a call to defend a vital industry. A stand against misinformation. A demand for fair, evidence-based policy that recognises the real value of self-catering to Scotland’s economy, tourism, and communities.
The Facts Speak for Themselves
At every stop, we shared the same message loud and clear: self-catering is not the problem – it’s part of the solution. With £864 million contributed to the Scottish economy per annum and 29,000+ jobs supported, our sector is a lifeline, not a liability.
- Across Scotland, self-catering properties make up just 0.8% of total housing stock, while 3.6% of homes lie empty and economically inactive.
- In the Highlands, Self-Catering generates £200 million per annum and supports 6,786 jobs – the biggest impact in Scotland
- In Fife, self-catering accounts for only 1% of housing, yet supports 2,721 jobs and contributes £80 million annually to the local economy.
- In Argyll and Bute, self-catering makes up just 2.3% of the housing stock, compared to 4.7% of homes that are empty or inactive. The sector contributes £33.5 million per annum and supports approximately 1,136 local jobs.
- In Glasgow, secondary short-term lets represent a mere 0.1% of all dwellings, while 2.2% of homes lie empty. Despite this small footprint, the sector generates £20 million per annum and supports around 680 jobs.
- In Edinburgh, self-catering properties make up just 0.8% of the city’s housing, while 4% of homes remain unused. The sector is a powerhouse in the capital’s tourism economy, generating £154 million and supporting 5,580 local jobs.
- In Perth & Kinross, self-catering makes up only 1.7% of housing, yet 5.5% of homes are unused.
These statistics reinforce a clear and consistent message: self-catering is not the root of the housing crisis. It is a thriving part of Scotland’s tourism economy and a vital source of employment and investment in both urban centres and rural communities.
As ASSC CEO Fiona Campbell MBE put it:
“Our message is clear: you won’t solve a housing crisis by initiating a crisis in Scottish tourism by decimating local businesses underpinning local economies. Attention must shift to the real causes of the housing crisis and stop scapegoating self-catering.”
A Strong, Visible Campaign
The roadshow was a show of strength, unity, and determination. The ASSC team spent 32 hours on the road, made five media appearances, and was supported by 30 engaged members from across the country. A few dogs – and one much-loved puppy – added extra warmth and energy to the campaign!
At each location, the response was clear. People want a fair and fact-based conversation about housing, tourism, and community sustainability. They recognise the value of self-catering businesses and the people behind them.
How You Can Support
Although the roadshow has come to an end, the campaign continues. The ASSC is encouraging everyone who values truth, fairness, and local economic resilience to take action:
📢 Share the facts on social media, tagging the ASSC! Facebook | X (Twitter) | LinkedIn
🎥 Watch and share the campaign videos on YouTube HERE
✊ Show your support for Scotland’s self-caterers by challenging misinformation wherever you see it
📰 Send this to everyone who cares about fairness, local livelihoods, and the soul of our communities. Self-catering supports tourism, jobs, and small businesses – it shouldn’t be turned into a scapegoat.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Let’s change the narrative. And let’s protect a sector that brings jobs, visitors, and life to Scotland’s cities, towns, and rural communities.