In 1978, a small group of passionate self-catering operators – including Jimmy and Isobel Nairn, parents of chef Nick Nairn- came together with a powerful mission: to have self-catering recognised as a legitimate and valued part of Scotland’s economy.
Today, the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) is the national voice for thousands of operators, representing over 1,600 members and influencing every major debate on tourism, regulation, and rural resilience in Scotland.
We’re not just a membership organisation. We are a community and a movement. One that’s been setting standards, shifting policy, defending livelihoods, and shaping the future of Scottish tourism – together.
Our Achievements: Built with and for our Members
Leading Through Crisis
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ASSC became a lifeline for Scotland’s self-catering sector:
- Delivered 24/7 member support, advice and briefings
- Co-authored national cleaning protocols, adopted across the UK and endorsed by Governments
- Negotiated early reopening of self-catering, injecting £20M into the Scottish economy
- Secured over £30M in emergency grant funding via six dedicated schemes:
- Small Business and Retail Grants
- £1M Self-Catering Grant
- Bed & Breakfast Hardship Fund
- Large Self-Catering and Exclusive Use Grant
- SAP-CTF Fund (for providers paying Council Tax)
- Strategic Framework Business Fund inclusion
That trust remains the bedrock of our organisation – and a cornerstone of our values.
Policy, Legal, and Legislative Impact
We don’t just advocate – we deliver change.
Planning Reform
- Co-developed a critical amendment to Section 11B of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 with MSP Rachael Hamilton, preventing all of Scotland from being automatically designated as a Short-Term Let Control Area.
- This protected rural and island communities from disproportionate planning burdens and ensured local flexibility.
Licensing Reform
- Instrumental in forcing the withdrawal and relaying of the original Short-Term Let Licensing (Scotland) Bill in 2021 after identifying legal and operational flaws.
- Secured a six-month implementation pause and legal review.
- Provided the legal foundation for three successful Judicial Reviews against City of Edinburgh Council (2023–2024), defending lawful operation and protecting due process.
- Helped raise £300,000 in crowdfunding to support legal challenges — a landmark moment in grassroots mobilisation and policy accountability.
- The Scottish Government amended legislation and issued new guidance in 2024 responding directly to ASSC recommendations.
- In 2025, following continued lobbying, the Short-Term Let Guidance Expert Group was established, chaired by VisitScotland – with ASSC at the table.
Powered by Evidence
We believe in data, not just opinion:
- BiGGAR Economics 2024 found:
- £864M in GVA contributed annually
- 29,324 jobs supported
- STLs make up just 0.8% of housing stock, lower than vacant dwellings
- Our reports (Far More Than Just Houses, Forward Together) challenge myths and humanise our sector
- Provided data to drive academic research on mental health impacts of regulation to shape a more compassionate, inclusive policy environment
We Don’t Just Advocate. We Educate.
ASSC CEO Fiona Campbell empowers people with knowledge and amplifies their voices:
- Delivered guest lectures at the Faculty of Procurators, UWS, and Edinburgh Napier University
- Co-authored peer-reviewed studies on tourism policy, mental health, and regulation
- Used creative tools like the Tipsy and Tam children’s book series to make complex policy understandable and accessible to all
Sustainability and Responsibility
We’re committed to a just, sustainable future:
- Signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism
- Developed the ASSC Climate Action Plan, giving members practical steps to cut emissions and promote regenerative tourism
- Advocate for wellbeing and mental health, making these pillars of our work
- Support responsible, community-based tourism through our policy, partnerships, and educational resources
Setting the Standards
We are Scotland’s benchmark for best practice:
- Introduced the Commitment to Quality and Code of Conduct to promote professionalism, cleanliness, safety, and guest experience
- Provide expert compliance guidance on:
- Licensing, planning, and tax
- EPCs and energy regulations
- Accessibility and insurance
- Health and fire safety
In 2010, our advocacy led to a landmark win: amending fire safety regulations to ensure proportionate application to small, owner-operated accommodation – balancing guest safety and operator practicality.
We’ve Earned a Seat at the Table
As part of our advocacy, representation and lobbying activity, we serve on over 15 national and regional policy groups, ensuring the voice of self-catering is heard at every level.
National Strategy & Leadership
- Scotland Outlook 2030 Strategy Steering Group
- Scottish Tourism Alliance Policy Group
- Scottish Tourism Alliance Council
Government & Regulation
- Scottish Government Short-Term Let Stakeholder & Industry Advisory Groups
- Visitor Levy Expert Group
- New Deal for Business Sub-Groups (Regulatory Review, NDR, Business Partnerships)
- Rural Delivery Plan
Local and Sectoral Engagement
- Visitor Levy Reference Groups: Edinburgh, Highland, Glasgow, Argyll & Bute, Stirling
- Scottish Ratespayers Forum
- Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (Full Group)
UK and Europe
- Professional Association of Self-Caterers UK Policy Group
- European Holiday Homes Association Council
The Results Speak for Themselves
- Legislation reformed
Three Judicial Reviews won
£30M+ in grants secured
Fourfold growth in membership and turnover since 2015
A seat at every major national policy table
Our Vision
To lead a bold, prosperous, and sustainable future for self-catering in Scotland.
We exist to empower our members to deliver world-class guest experiences, support thriving communities, and champion self-catering as a responsible, inclusive, and future-focused way to travel.
We believe in progress that protects people, places, and purpose.
Why Join the ASSC?
We are:
- Your national voice in policy and regulation
- Your platform for growth and marketing
- Your source of support, tools, and guidance
- Your community of like-minded professionals
Whether you’re running a single cottage or managing a portfolio of properties – you belong with the ASSC.