The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) kicks off its first Regional Gathering of 2025 on Wednesday 26th February at the historic Caird Hall in Dundee, bringing together self-catering operators from across the east of Scotland. Valued at £864 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) annually and supporting over 29,000 jobs, Scotland’s self-catering sector is a vital contributor to the Scottish economy.
At a time of unprecedented challenges, this pivotal event provides a platform for industry professionals to unite, strategise, and fight for the future of Scotland’s self-catering sector.
With increasing regulatory pressures, economic hurdles, and policy changes threatening the viability of small businesses, the self-catering community is at a crossroads. This event offers a critical opportunity for self-catering operators to engage directly with ASSC partners and industry experts to ensure the sector’s sustainability and long-term success.
The event is proudly sponsored by Booking.com, SuperControl, Howden, and EmbraceScotland, all of whom are committed to supporting Scotland’s self-catering sector. Their invaluable support enables this gathering to bring together key voices, encourage collaboration, and drive meaningful change for the industry.
A Powerhouse Lineup of Speakers
The event features leading voices in tourism, policy, and industry regulation, including:
The Key Issues on the Agenda
The gathering will tackle some of the most pressing issues facing Scotland’s self-catering sector, including:
The ASSC is driving the conversation on how to change the narrative and promote self-catering as a sustainable, high-quality, and flexible accommodation option. The industry must stand united in ensuring that policymakers recognise the essential role self-catering plays in Scotland’s tourism economy.
Supporting Local Communities
The ASSC remains committed to giving back to local communities. This event will support Dundee Bairns, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children in high-deprivation areas. Delegates are encouraged to donate essential items such as sheets, blankets, towels, cleaning products, and toiletries.
This initiative follows ASSC’s strong track record of community support, including a beach clean in Oban and food bank donations in Glasgow.
A Rallying Cry for the Future
Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of the ASSC, stated:
“Scotland’s self-catering sector plays a crucial role in our tourism industry, local economies, and communities. However, mounting regulatory pressures and policy changes are making it increasingly difficult for operators to sustain their businesses. At the same time, demand for self-catering in Scotland has risen for the third consecutive year, while demand for hotels has declined. Travellers are actively seeking space, flexibility, and authentic local experiences -all of which our sector provides. Scotland remains a highly desirable destination, and self-catering properties continue to attract visitors.
Yes, the challenges are real, but so is our determination. We are resilient. We are united. We are not going anywhere. This event is a vital opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, seek solutions, and advocate for a fair and balanced approach that allows our sector to thrive. The ASSC remains committed to fighting for urgent reforms to secure our future and ensure that self-catering remains a thriving, vital part of Scotland’s tourism industry.”
For more information on the event and the work of the ASSC, visit the website.
About the ASSC
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), founded in 1978, represents around 1,700 members operating self-catering properties across Scotland, ranging from city centre apartments to rural cottages, lodges, chalets, and even castles. Self-catering operators are not passive landlords but active hospitality providers within the tourism sector. Their properties are legitimate businesses that significantly contribute to local and national economies.
Self-catering is a hands-on business requiring exceptional customer service, ongoing investment, and the maintenance of high standards to consistently meet or exceed guest expectations. According to the ASSC’s 2024 Member Surveys:
The ASSC’s vision is to lead the development of a vibrant and prosperous self-catering sector that is pivotal to the future of Scotland’s tourism economy. The organisation is dedicated to empowering its diverse and professional membership to deliver exceptional guest experiences while supporting businesses and communities. The ASSC is committed to promoting Scottish self-catering as a sustainable, inclusive, and responsible accommodation option.