ASSC News

Supporting Self-Catering in Scotland. The trade association representing the #SelfCatering #ShortTermLet sector. Member benefits, support, representation.

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

Self-catering underpins Scotland’s visitor economy and sustains communities nationwide.
It deserves policy shaped through partnership, not assumption.
Our manifesto sets out a clear, practical path forward.
👉 Read the manifesto: https://t.co/PomVDN26lI

@FionaCampbell74 @SaveSCScotland @scotgov @st_alliance

[EmbraceScotland @embracescotland]

✨ Late Availability Offer – Aird Steading Cottage, Argyll ✨

Available 6th–13th June for £600, this 5-star hideaway offers breathtaking sea views across Scarba, Mull and Luing, with unforgettable sunsets right from your private garden.

Book now: https://t.co/F8YcHWfarm

[UKHospitality @UKHofficial]

We’ve officially hit 75,000 signatures since launching #VATsTheProblem – the united sector campaign calling for hospitality VAT to be reduced from 20% to 10%.

A huge thank you to everyone that has engaged with our campaign so far, but there’s still a long way to go. Sign the petition now 👇

https://t.co/wtQRPN2te1

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

Plans to explore the potential introduction of a Visitor Levy in Dumfries and Galloway are set to be considered by elected members next week, as the council looks at new ways to support the region’s visitor economy and invest in local infrastructure: https://t.co/Wz34BT3fLY

@FionaCampbell74 @SaveSCScotland

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

Visitor numbers to Stirling have soared by more than 10 per cent within a year, newly-released figures have confirmed.
And a new draft tourism and events strategy has been drawn up, aiming to build on that momentum and strengthen the region’s position as one of Scotland’s leading visitor destinations.
https://t.co/ppb4o8cFAZ

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

📢 Self-catering operators across Scotland: we want to hear from you.

Complete the ASSC Spring Barometer Survey and help shape our advocacy work with VisitScotland, the Scottish Tourism Alliance, and the Scottish Government.

⏱ Takes less than 10 mins
📅 Closes midnight 28 June

Please complete and share 👇

https://t.co/lp5MrVsDnS

@SaveSCScotland @FionaCampbell74 @st_alliance @VisitScotNews

[SaveSelfCatering @SaveSCScotland]

The cause of unaffordable festival digs is the cack-handed efforts of @scotgov & @Edinburgh_CC that has reduced supply to performers & visitors alike. Council's scapegoating <2k self-catering units & axing them at every opportunity. /1 https://t.co/A41ugI0OGZ #SaveSC @ASSCnews

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

NC500 boosted Highland economy by £99m last year, study finds https://t.co/Wsee28uAKp

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

Fiona Campbell of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has been a critic of the council’s percentage-based scheme.

"Visitor levy enforcement officers won't have an issue with professional tourism accommodation providers who will readily comply with their legal duties, as they always do, albeit under difficult circumstances,” she remarked.

“Edinburgh Council's continued adherence to a flawed percentage charge creates unnecessary disproportionate burdens on smaller operators. The resulting complexity will make enforcement harder, not easier.”

She warned that “black market” accommodation operators would likely escape scrutiny.

Ms Campbell said: “The Council may have adopted what it describes as a 'softly softly' approach to levy enforcement, but they have acted heavy-handedly elsewhere.

"In fact, given the explosion in the unlicensed black market as a direct consequence of their own draconian STL licensing and planning policies, the Council may find that a significant number of properties operating in the shadows simply won't be on their radar at all.

“Unlike legitimate operators, they will pay nothing – and the enforcement framework, however it is worded on paper, cannot reach what it cannot see.”

ASSC and other business groups have urged the council to switch to a fixed rate scheme.

@SaveSCScotland @FionaCampbell74

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

Proprietors who run afoul of Edinburgh’s tourist tax could be fined as much as £49,000.

This week, City of Edinburgh councillors approved a penalty framework for the city’s visitor levy scheme, which is set to begin on July 24.

Regulation of the scheme, which will require accommodation providers to collect and report the 5% nightly surcharge, will be led by visitor levy enforcement officers.

https://t.co/kT4s73Nt9w

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

Proprietors who run afoul of Edinburgh’s tourist tax could be fined as much as £49,000.

This week, City of Edinburgh councillors approved a penalty framework for the city’s visitor levy scheme, which is set to begin on July 24.

Regulation of the scheme, which will require accommodation providers to collect and report the 5% nightly surcharge, will be led by visitor levy enforcement officers.

https://t.co/kT4s73Nt9w

[SaveSelfCatering @SaveSCScotland]

In @Edinburgh_CC we've fewer than 2k full-time licenced self-catering units, yet they're being hounded & closed by a council machine which allows an unsafe black market to blossom unpoliced as desperate performers & familes seek a place to stay. #SaveSC @EdFringeSociety @ASSCnews

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

🎉 May Partner Renewal 🎉

We're delighted to continue our partnership with Loch Ness Hub & Travel, who renewed their ASSC Partnership with us in May.

Based in Drumnadrochit, this community-owned visitor information and travel centre helps visitors discover the very best of Loch Ness, offering everything from Highland Cow tours and fishing trips to eBike hire, boat trips, and local gifts from Highland artists.

Their expert local knowledge and commitment to creating authentic visitor experiences make them a valued part of the ASSC community.

🔗 Learn more about all our partners: https://t.co/XteM0ob4QC

Thank you, Loch Ness Hub and Travel, for your continued support of Scotland's self-catering sector!

@FionaCampbell74

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

Fiona Campbell, the CEO of Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) recently told The Herald:

“The simpler and more business-friendly fixed rate approach, coupled with meaningful reform to the STL regulatory framework, would produce a sustainable visitor economy that genuinely works for businesses, local communities and the city's long-term reputation as a world-class destination.

“Instead, Edinburgh finds itself enforcing a flawed scheme against a compliant majority, while the black market it helped create looks on.”

@SaveSCScotland @FionaCampbell74 @st_alliance @Edinburgh_CC

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

Warning as changes to Edinburgh tourist tax could have 'negative reputational impact' https://t.co/MPhgkk5009

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

Warning as changes to Edinburgh tourist tax could have 'negative reputational impact' https://t.co/MPhgkk5009

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

⚠️ Highland operators: this consultation matters.

The proposed STL Control Areas for Highland Rural and Inverness City could set the direction of travel for Scotland-wide policy.

We need a strong industry response - every submission counts.

📢 Please respond and share widely.

https://t.co/0na6SwbGT2

@FionaCampbell74 @SaveSCScotland

[UKHospitality @UKHofficial]

"When hospitality fires on all cylinders, then the economy fires on all cylinders too" - @UKHospKate

A VAT cut is the "quickest and easiest way" to tackle the cost of living and get the economy moving, our Chair Kate Nicholls, speaks to @LBCNews.

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

Night train to the Highlands embraces the Outlander effect: https://t.co/9IHMDazFhU

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

Which country's tourists spend the most money in Scotland's capital? https://t.co/jKO9wY0zym

[Scottish Fire and Rescue Service @fire_scot]

There is a very high risk of wildfires in Eastern Scotland from Friday, 29 May to Monday, 1 June.

Taking simple steps can help reduce the risk and prevent severe damage.

Learn more - https://t.co/XTUmuJf3e2

#NoHarmlessFires

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

The Huddle: Is multiple home ownership exacerbating the housing emergency?

Fiona Campbell, chief executive, Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers

Scotland’s housing emergency will not be solved by scapegoating small tourism businesses or debating whether individuals should own more than one property. That is not the issue at hand. The real challenge is a chronic failure to increase housing supply and bring existing stock back into use.

Read more: https://t.co/yTJHgZvcoj

@FionaCampbell74 @SaveSCScotland

[ASSC News @ASSCnews]

Edinburgh councillors agree penalties of up to nearly £50k for visitor levy breaches

https://t.co/H4pktWXBIe