Tag: planning

Shocking new analysis reveals the scale of Edinburgh’s Short Term Let legal loopholes

Shocking new analysis carried out by Living Rent and Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council on data obtained by Edinburgh Green Councillor Chas Booth reveals that only three in ten licensed Short Term Lets in the capital have planning permission.

Meanwhile a quarter have withdrawn a planning application and just under a quarter have not even applied for planning consent at all.

The analysis covers secondary lets only – in other words letting an entire property that is not someone’s home, and does not include people letting out a room in their own home. The research was released more than four years after the introduction of Edinburgh’s Short Term Let control area, in September 2022, which declared that a Short Term Let in the city was “a material change of use requiring planning permission”.

The analysis was based on comparing the publicly available register of short term let licences with data on every short term let planning application made in the city since 2018, obtained by Cllr Chas Booth.

This analysis shows that:

1,225 (69.84%) of Edinburgh’s 1,754 licensed Short Term Lets do not have planning permission (secondary letting)

465 (26.51%) licensed Short Term Lets have applied for planning permission and then withdrawn the application before it was determined (secondary letting)

425 (24.23%) licensed Short Term Lets have never applied for planning permission (secondary letting)

Commenting on the analysis, Cllr Chas Booth, who obtained the data, said: “Edinburgh’s short term let control area was meant to ensure every STL in the city had planning permission. Yet four years on from its introduction, it clearly isn’t working. Residents living next to unregulated lets have to put up with the disruption that brings, and every STL is one fewer home in a city with a housing emergency.”

“This analysis shows two things. First, the Council isn’t doing enough to enforce the planning and licensing system, and that must improve. But more importantly, it shows the Scottish Government’s legislation is not fit for purpose. There is a loophole as big as a barn door that hundreds of STL owners are exploiting, and residents are paying the price.

“Ministers need to wake up and smell the coffee and act urgently to close it.”

Booth added: “I’m very grateful to Living Rent and Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council for carrying out this detailed analysis. If community volunteers can establish the scale of the problem, the Scottish Government has no excuse for not acknowledging it and fixing it.”

Jon ‘Geo’ Camp from Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council, who undertook the analysis, said: “Our community council has heard from many residents concerned about short term lets, and this analysis shows why. 

“A significant number of licensed lets have no planning permission, and many of them applied for it and then withdrew before a decision was made. 

“Residents need to know the system that regulates these lets is working properly, and too often they don’t believe that it is. 

“We will keep listening to our community, and keep working with councillors and MSPs to make sure these issues are heard and resolved.”

Holyrood Committees seek evidence on AI data centres

Two Holyrood committees are working together to gather evidence on the impacts of potential hyperscale data centre construction and operation in Scotland.

The Climate Action Committee is calling for data and evidence on the environmental impacts of hyperscale data centres from construction and operation to the long-term management and disposal of waste, hardware and materials.

The Economy, Tourism and Energy Committee, meanwhile, wants to understand the potential economic and energy implications of hyperscale data centre development in Scotland.

A hyperscale data centre is a large facility that can be used for internet-based applications, data processing and artificial intelligence. There are no hyperscale data centres in Scotland, although more than 20 are proposed in different locations across the country.

Rather than focusing on specific proposals, the Committees’ call for evidence wants to gather a complete picture of the impact of data centres.

The Committees plan to share their findings with the Scottish Government’s Minister for Public Finance, Hannah Mary Goodlad MSP who has said that guidance on hyperscale data centres will be published by Christmas.

In addition to its consultation, the Climate Action Committee will hold evidence sessions in October and November. The Committee has also agreed to consider whether to carry out further work in this area at a later date.

The call for views is open until 15 November 2026.

https://yourviews.parliament.scot/…/hyper-scale-data…

Stuart McMillan MSP, Convener of the Climate Action Committee, said: “We want to understand the environmental impacts of hyperscale data centres and will share our findings ahead of the Scottish Government’s upcoming guidance.

“We would like to hear expert views about impacts on air and water quality, nature and biodiversity, noise pollution and emissions. We also want to understand what can be done to prevent or mitigate negative environmental impacts.

“We’re particularly keen to ensure that Scotland learns lessons from other countries where hyperscale data centres are already in operation.”

Find out more about the Climate Action Committee’s inquiry into the environmental impacts of hyperscale data centres

Convener of the Economy, Tourism and Energy Committee, Duncan Massey MSP, said: “Data centres have been grabbing the headlines but now it’s time to dig into the details.

“We want to ensure we understand whether there are economic positives for Scotland and what they are. Will they drive new jobs and create long term employment? What about our energy systems, are they able to support hyperscale data centres?

“To aid our scrutiny of Scottish Government decision making, we want to hear from experts working in these areas in order to build a clear picture of all the positives and negatives associated with bringing large scale data centres to Scotland.”

https://yourviews.parliament.scot/…/hyper-scale-data…

Direction for new data centres

Environmental Impact Assessments now required

Large data centre applications are set to face more stringent environmental requirements.

The Scottish Government has published a planning direction which requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be submitted during planning for all new data centres with a power capacity exceeding 50 megawatts (MW).

This follows a direction last month requiring planning authorities to notify Scottish Ministers of all new data centre applications within seven days of validation.

Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad said: “The Scottish Government recognises that data centres are a rapidly evolving sector attracting a broad range of views, opinions and concerns, and that evidence on the environmental impact of data centres continues to develop.

“As this is an emerging industry, we have the opportunity to get this right from the start. The guidance issued today is the next step in that process.

“We must balance the economic and employment interests in developing data centres with national energy, climate and community wealth building ambitions, which are vital to our future prosperity, as well as the potential impact on local communities.

“Ensuring that an Environmental Impact Assessment is always part of the application process will create a level playing field for developers and will ensure potentially significant environmental effects are considered from the outset.”

The Scottish Greens expressed frustration at the decision: ‘SNP have teamed up with the Tories and Lib Dems.

‘They’ve voted down a Green motion which would have brought in a moratorium against new hyperscale AI data centres in Scotland.

‘Instead they’ve chosen to muddy the water, leaving confusion when our communities need certainty.’

The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Data Centres exceeding 50MW Power Capacity) (Scotland) Direction 2026

Data centre planning direction

Harnessing opportunities of data centres in Scotland

Planning authorities will be required to notify Scottish Ministers of new data centre applications within seven days of validation.

A new direction, issued by Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad, applies to data centre developments exceeding 50 Megawatts (MW) power capacity. It will support strategic monitoring of the pipeline of such planning applications and of the implications for wider infrastructure. 

Ms Goodlad has also recalled a planning appeal for Ministerial decision relating to a proposed green data centre in Edinburgh, and has issued directions requiring Environmental Impact Assessments at locations in Fife and Edinburgh.

She said: “Data centres is a rapidly emerging sector, and planning has an important role to play in considering applications, harnessing economic opportunities, and finding solutions which align with our climate goals.

“We must balance the economic and employment interests in developing data centres with national energy, climate and community wealth building ambitions, which are vital to our future prosperity, as well as the potential impact on local communities.

“It is essential to secure public benefits from this type of development, and I am clear that voices of communities that will be affected will be central to any considerations on data centres.”

More charities closed than opened in Edinburgh in 2025

THIRD SECTOR FACES GROWING PRESSURE

Charities across Edinburgh entered the new year facing a complex operating environment, as Scottish Charity Register data reveals more organisations were removed from the register last year than were newly established.

According to the register, 101 charities were registered in Edinburgh during 2025, while 122 were removed from the register.

Removal from the register can include mergers or charities completing their purpose, but the figures highlight the ongoing pressures within the voluntary sector as organisations adapt to rising costs, regulatory demands and changing funding patterns.

This local picture mirrors UK trends. The Status of UK Fundraising 2025 report found that 54% of UK charities saw their fundraising income remain static or fall over the past year, with a substantial majority attributing this to wider economic conditions. While income is not universally declining, many organisations are having to work harder to maintain stability.

Ansvar Insurance, a specialist insurer for charities and not‑for‑profit organisations, says the challenge is less about short-term survival and more about long-term sustainability.

Photo of a group of friends studying together at home

Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, commented: “Edinburgh has always had an incredibly active charity sector, but these figures show just how challenging the current environment has become.

“Rising operational costs, a more competitive fundraising landscape and increased demand with an average of 27% of Edinburgh residents relying on charitable services mean organisations need to think differently about sustainability.”

To help local organisations strengthen their resilience, Ansvar is encouraging charities to explore less obvious strategies that can make a meaningful difference:

  1. Build practical partnerships: Formal partnerships with organisations serving similar beneficiaries can reduce overheads through shared back-office functions, joint fundraising and collaborative grant bids, while strengthening funding applications.
  2. Focus on long-term supporter relationships: Nurturing existing supporters through regular updates and consistent storytelling can help convert into monthly giving, providing greater stability than one-off donations.
  3. Review insurance and risk exposure: A risk assessment can highlight duplicated cover or gaps in protection. As services evolve, charities should ensure their insurance reflects current activities to avoid unnecessary costs or unexpected exposures.

Despite the pressures, the registration of new charities in Edinburgh during 2025 demonstrates the commitment of local communities to addressing social need.

Adam Tier added: “Financial sustainability isn’t just about raising more money. Often, it’s about taking a fresh look at existing processes and asking the right questions.

“The organisations that thrive are those that plan ahead, understand their risks and adapt early, positioning themselves to weather these challenges and continue serving their communities for years to come.”

https://www.cafonline.org/insights/research/uk-local-giving-report-2025#interMap

Residents confront planning chief over ‘super hostel’

Threat to Georgian crescent from 544-bed venue highlighted by locals

Passionate local people trying to save a historic New Town street from a 544-bed “super hostel” have met face-to-face with one of Scotland’s most senior planning appeal officials.

Residents and neighbours gathered in solidarity on Atholl Crescent as a Reporter from the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) carried out a formal site visit yesterday (Tuesday 24 February).

The visit follows the hostel developer’s decision to lodge an appeal directly with the Scottish Government, before local councillors had the opportunity to determine the applications.

Philip Flockhart, director of architects Morris and Steedman Associates and spokesman for residents, said: “When nearly 300 people formally object, and when respected heritage bodies speak of irreversible harm, we would hope that the DPEA will listen.

“This is not about resisting change. It is about proportionality, suitability and the protection of a quiet residential community within a World Heritage Site.”

The proposal would see four Category A-listed Georgian townhouses at 14-17 Atholl Crescent converted into a large-scale budget hostel, accommodating up to 544 guests in dormitory-style pods.

The buildings form part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed New Town. Residents argue the location – a predominantly residential crescent and mews – is wholly unsuited to such an intensive, high-turnover commercial use.

A property audit compiled by the group shows the immediate area remains overwhelmingly residential, with 88 homes compared to just 16 commercial properties. Many homes sit directly adjacent to, behind and opposite the proposed development.

During the site visit the Reporter, Katherine Chorley, was invited to walk the crescent and Atholl Crescent Lane to view first-hand the proximity of established family homes, gardens and mews properties to the proposed hostel entrance, servicing arrangements and rear access.

Residents say their objections are not rooted in opposition to visitors or tourism, but in the real, immediate and seismic impact the development would have on daily life.

Among the concerns raised are:

  • Loss of residential amenity and the erosion of a quiet environment enjoyed by many retired residents.
  • Increased noise and disturbance from a 24-hour, high-occupancy operation.
  • Security and safety risks associated with transient, large-scale accommodation.
  • Pressure on narrow streets and lanes from servicing, deliveries and guest drop-offs.
  • The impact on neighbouring private gardens and the quiet residential street.

Campaigners say there is a stark inconsistency in planning policy. The council tightened restrictions on short-term lets and Airbnbs in residential properties on the grounds of loss of amenity. Objectors argue that approving a 544-bed hostel beside family homes would represent a significant loss of amenity.

Around 280 formal objections were lodged during the planning process, with the proposal attracting opposition from leading heritage and civic bodies.

The Cockburn Association warned the development would cause “substantial and irreversible harm” to the listed buildings. The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland raised serious concerns about compatibility with the architectural character of Category A-listed Georgian townhouses.

The West End Community Council, a statutory consultee, objected to the scheme “in both principle and detail,” citing transport impact, infrastructure intrusions and the effect on neighbours.

Philip Flockhart, a conservation architect, added: “This is one of the capital’s finest Georgian crescents – a residential street that has retained its character for more than 200 years.

“To introduce a 544-bed dormitory-style hostel into four interconnected townhouses would represent an intensity of occupation completely at odds with the scale, layout and spirit of these buildings.”

Previously the properties were used as offices for a renowned law firm. Permission has previously been granted to convert the townhouses into 34 apartments. Residents question why claims of commercial viability are now being used to justify a large-scale transient accommodation model instead of housing.

Campaigners say the decision will set an important precedent – not just for Atholl Crescent, but for residential streets across the New Town and West End – and signal if residential life is to be prioritised over transient tourism.

Prior to the appeal being submitted to DPEA, the applications were expected to be considered by elected councillors on the Development Management Sub-Committee.  A decision from the Reporter is now awaited.

Free event to offer legal and property advice for families navigating dementia

Supportive evening session to help families plan with confidence

WHEN a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, the emotional impact is often compounded by urgent and unfamiliar decisions about care, legal authority and financial planning.

As part of Dementia Awareness Month, a free public information evening in central Edinburgh will offer families the chance to hear from a panel of experienced professionals, offering expert insights into Powers of Attorney, property, guardianship and the wider support available.

The event, titled Supporting Loved Ones with Dementia: A Practical Guide to Power of Attorney & Property, will take place on Tuesday 17 February 2026 at the ESPC Property Lounge on George Street, Edinburgh.

Hosted by legal and property specialists Ralph Sayer, the event is being delivered in partnership with The Dementia Trust and supported by ESPC, which is providing the venue as part of its commitment to supporting public education and community wellbeing.

The free session will run from 5.30pm until 8pm, with short presentations from guest speakers between 6:00pm and 6:45pm, followed by an informal Q&A and the opportunity for one-to-one discussions with experts.

Attendees will hear from Kimberley Mackay, Partner and Head of Private Client at Ralph Sayer, who will speak about the importance of putting a Power of Attorney in place.

Kimberley explains: “We encourage everyone to consider making a power of attorney whilst they are fit and able. However, a diagnosis of dementia does not automatically mean that is no longer possible to do so. Taking legal advice at the earliest opportunity is a good idea to understand the options.”

“We want people to leave this session feeling better informed and more in control when supporting someone through a dementia diagnosis.”

The panel will also feature Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, who will explain the role of property in funding care and how to navigate property transactions when acting under a Power of Attorney or guardianship

Tzana added: “Property is often a person’s most significant asset but selling it on their behalf can bring both legal complexities and emotional strain. We’ll be sharing practical advice for families facing those decisions and advise what steps they can take to prepare in advance.”

The event will also include perspectives from The Dementia Trust, which works directly with families, carers and individuals living with dementia to offer guidance and emotional support.

Professor June Andrews, a leading dementia expert, and Sandra McDonald, former Public Guardian for Scotland and respected authority on capacity and decision-making, are expected to join the panel to bring vital insight from their combined decades of frontline experience.

Sonia Mangan, Interim Lead Officer from the Dementia Trust said: “This event reflects the kind of practical, empathetic support that makes a real difference to people navigating life after a diagnosis. Dementia can feel overwhelming, but families are not alone.

“We know how uncertain and isolating a diagnosis can feel, especially when it comes to legal and financial decisions. That’s why we’ve launched our Planning Ahead campaign and why we’re calling February 2026 Power of Attorney Month. Our message is simple: put Power of Attorney in place early.

“The average age of people in Scotland making a Power of Attorney is 79 – and too often we see people waiting until it’s too late.”

In addition, Dianne Millen, Director of specialist incapacity law firm Datrys Legal, and an accredited specialist in incapacity and mental disability law, will demystify the guardianship process, helping attendees understand how the court procedure works when a Powers of Attorney is not already in place.

Dianne said “Going to court is an intimidating prospect for most people and can feel overwhelming when you are also caring for a loved one with dementia.

“Understanding the process can make you feel more in control.”

Paul Hilton, CEO of ESPC, added: “As an organisation made up of Solicitor Estate Agents with huge amount of legal and property expertise, ESPC has long supported opportunities for our firms to help the public make informed decisions.

“Our Property Lounge isn’t just a shopfront, but also a space for education, connection and community. We’re proud to host events like this that support people through difficult times with clear, trusted advice. Many families don’t realise the vital role property can play in funding care or planning for later life, so this kind of event offers an important way to begin those conversations.”

Spaces at the event are free but strictly limited to 30 attendees, with advance registration required. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

Attendees are invited to submit questions in advance when registering, helping to tailor the session to the most pressing concerns.

The event is open to anyone supporting a loved one with dementia, considering legal planning for later life or simply seeking clarity on where to begin.

To register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supporting-loved-ones-with-dementia-power-of-attorney-and-property-tickets-1982000361435?aff=oddtdtcreator&msockid=1d1fe889bdee66af33defe9fbcc9671e

Green light for new neighbourhood on former West Edinburgh brownfield site

Proposals for a residential-led, mixed-use development at Edinburgh Gateway, the site of the former Saica packaging facility in West Edinburgh, have been given the green light by councillors yesterday (Wednesday 17th December).

The application by regeneration specialist, Summix Capital, was granted planning permission, subject to conditions, by councillors on the Council’s Development Management Sub-Committee.

The Edinburgh Gateway development provides a unique opportunity to regenerate this former industrial site on Turnhouse Road, covering 15.5 acres (6.3 hectares).

This brownfield site is allocated in the Council’s City Plan 2030 for residential-focused redevelopment, and its granting will deliver one of the most exciting and best-connected development sites in Scotland.

The flagship vibrant new neighbourhood aims to deliver a mix of uses. This includes the delivery of 957 homes, 35 per cent of which are affordable, plus a new hotel with 172 bedrooms. In addition, ground-floor retail. commercial and community uses are proposed, as well as the creation of new public realm and a station interface with associated landscaping, infrastructure, car parking and access arrangements.

The proposed housing will include tenure-blind affordable housing to address the city’s well-publicised housing emergency and will provide accessible family homes and Build to Rent (BTR) accommodation. BTR sees homes built specifically for rent, rather than sale.

The development masterplan defines seven development plots. Plots 1 and 2 will deliver private sale housing; Plots 3 and 4 are dedicated to BTR homes; and Plots 5 and 6 contribute to the city’s affordable housing provision. Plot 7 will accommodate the new hotel.

A range of local services is available within the area, including public transport, education, food retail opportunities and recreation facilities

The site reflects excellent access to existing or planned sustainable transport networks, making the low-car-ownership/low-car-travel policy targets achievable. This includes direct pedestrian access to the Edinburgh Gateway Railway Station, with both it and Edinburgh Gateway Tram Station located within easy walking distance.

The landscaping proposals offer a wide range of outdoor experiences for users, with high-quality open space, including public realm and communal areas throughout the development.

A northern park area with a rain garden is proposed, along with wildflower meadows, tree planting, and a formal playground, lawn, and picnic areas.  Additionally, two new civic squares are envisaged.

Delivering biodiversity enhancements, the proposals present opportunities for stronger connections throughout the site and the surrounding area, with a pedestrian focus and ample, easily accessible amenity open spaces for future residents and users of the proposed development.

Stuart Black, Development Director for Summix Capital, said: “The granting of this planning application for Edinburgh Gateway will create one of Scotland’s most exciting and best-connected neighbourhoods, representing a significant investment in the capital.

“Redeveloping one of the last significant pieces of brownfield land in the city into a brand-new, sustainable mixed-use community, Edinburgh Gateway will support the tackling of the city’s well-publicised housing emergency. 

“We look forward to continuing to work with the local community and Council officers, as we progress the delivery of the development.”

Spain-based paper and cardboard company Saica has relocated to a purpose-built facility at Deans Road in Livingston.  It is active in nine other European countries.

Project Team:

Architect & Lead Designer: 3DReid

Landscape Architect: re-form

Planning Consultant: CBRE

Project Manager: Arcadis

Structural Engineer: Goodson Associates

MEP engineer: Henderson Warnock

Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment: Turley

Sustainability Consultant: Carbon. Climate.

Certified Fire Engineer: OFR Consulting

Transport Consultant: Dougall Baillie

Ecologist Direct Ecology Daylight / Sunlight: Anstey Horne

Acoustics and Wind: RWDI

About Summix Capital

Summix Capital is a regeneration company specialising in development projects across the UK and Ireland.  Working with its partners, it has successfully delivered thousands of homes since its foundation in 2006.

Summix Capital works closely with sector specialists across the property space, unlocking challenging sites and helping speed up what can often be a long development process from conception to delivery. Its aspiration is to ensure that housing, student accommodation and mixed-use schemes are delivered where they are most needed.

The company’s vision for regeneration involves taking on sites with vacant possession of dormant, dilapidated structures and developing a viable plan for their redevelopment and repurposing.  At a time when the demand for housing far outstrips supply, a steady flow of land is essential. 

Further information about Summix is available at: https://summix.com/

Living Streets objects to two-way cycling on Rose Street

We object to the advertised Traffic Regulation Order (TRO/24/27 bit.ly/3IFOQQ6) allowing two-way cycling on Rose Street.

The idea of promoting two-way cycling on the street was raised in a report to the Transport and Environment Committee (TEC) on 30 January 2025, as a means to facilitate cycling across the city while the CCWEL route through George Street is not yet in place.  We made our objection to this proposal at that time.

The Council’s own report recognised that “integrating cyclists into a space primarily designed for pedestrians presents challenges. The narrow width of Rose Street, combined with the high footfall at certain times, could lead to safety concerns between cycling and walking/wheeling. With no dedicated cycling infrastructure, conflict could be created between users.”

It is not appropriate in our view to encourage Rose Street – the closest thing Edinburgh currently has to a pedestrianised street – as a major cycle route.

The proposal does not respect the Council’s agreed travel hierarchy which places walking and wheeling first. The TRO is especially inappropriate given that the TEC recently decided that two way cycle access should be maintained on George Street itself during any redevelopment works. 

You can object to the order by 1st August – details here: http://bit.ly/3IFOQQ6.

Latest short-term let policy debacle hits Scotland’s self-catering sector, says ASCC

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) is calling for urgent action to rectify yet another blunder afflicting Scotland’s tourism industry, this time stemming from a deeply flawed implementation of the new Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) process for self-catering holiday accommodation.

The ASSC has been made aware of thousands of self-catering operators being unjustly removed from NDR – and in some cases taken to Tribunal for allegedly failing to provide evidence of the 70 nights’ occupancy rule for the 2023–24 period.

Critically, operators failed to receive formal requests for evidence from Scottish Assessors which were sent out by untracked mail, despite easily being able to evidence the required occupancy. This is once again penalising legitimate small businesses – who do so much to boost local economies across Scotland – and was clearly not the policy intention.

Many long-standing and compliant businesses have not only been unlawfully removed from the valuation roll and commercial water and waste provision, but also hit with double council tax bills and are facing severe emotional and financial distress – all without ever receiving the legally required Assessor correspondence.

Recent ASSC survey work highlighted 63% of operators never received the formal evidence request letters; 95% of delisted businesses were able to prove compliance with letting requirements; and 81% have been billed for second home council tax, some facing eyewatering charges of up to £120,000.

To compound matters, in a response to a recent parliamentary question from Alexander Stewart MSP, Cabinet Secretary Shona Robison suggested that operators could benefit from relief schemes – however, this completely misses the point: if a business has been removed from the NDR system altogether, it cannot access any such support. This fundamental misunderstanding highlights just how disconnected the Scottish Government is from the realities facing the self-catering sector.

Recent figures from the Scottish Government [1] showed an anomaly in the number of properties removed from the valuation roll in 2023–2024 — more than double any previous year, with 3,810 removals compared to 1,540 in 2022–2023.

This latest development comes in the wake of the ongoing STL licensing and planning shambles, which has squeezed the supply of available accommodation while pushing up costs – especially in Edinburgh, the most expensive major city break destination in western Europe according to a recent Post Office Travel Money analysis.

The industry is now increasingly alarmed by the current impasse on the treatment of self-catering accommodation within the NDR framework despite pleas to relevant stakeholders. While Assessors assert that they are merely applying existing legislation and cannot act without further instruction or legislative change, Scottish Ministers maintain that Assessors are independent and therefore beyond intervention. 

The self-catering sector therefore finds itself in a troubling Catch-22 scenario which it hopes can be resolved through urgent and pragmatic leadership to ensure self-catering operators receive the fair treatment they deserve.

Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, commented: “This policy was introduced to remove economically inactive second homes from benefiting from NDR relief, which we support.

“It was never meant to target legitimate small businesses. The system has failed and it is now punishing the very operators who support our tourism economy and rural communities. We urge the Scottish Government and Assessors to act swiftly and lawfully to correct this injustice.

“As we approach the busy summer season, the last thing the Scottish self-catering needs is yet another debacle hitting our sector, hot on the heels of the accumulated regulatory burden from short-term let licensing and planning regulations, and before local tourist taxes are imposed. 

“This relentless uncertainty is not only damaging livelihoods – it is placing a significant strain on the mental health and wellbeing of small business owners who are already under immense pressure.

“Operators want to get back to what they do best but can’t do this with both hands tied behind their back. We need urgent leadership to restore consistency, fairness, and confidence in the system before it is too late.”