The Scottish Parliament has approved the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2024. This made some amendments to the Scottish Government’s STL licensing scheme despite strong concerns from across the tourism industry that the measures did not go far enough.
The Industry Advisory Group submitted comments on 17 recommendations it thought should be considered by the Scottish Government in respect of issues raised to date in the operation of the legislation – but only 3 were addressed in the Amendment Order.
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers has warned that Order provided little more than minor tinkering around the edges rather than the positive change necessary for a key component of Scottish tourism that boosts the economy by £1bn per annum, with jobs and livelihoods remaining at risk.
Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said:
“Key Scottish tourism stakeholders are united in saying these amendments are insufficient to address business concerns. Nobody would expect the Scottish Government to adopt every industry recommendation but what is on the table is a paltry offering. It is akin to re-arranging the furniture on the deck of RMS Titanic whilst it sinks.
Sadly, commitments to cut red tape have bypassed a sector facing irreversible damage. We can’t keep kicking the can down the road and hoping for the best when small and micro businesses urgently need help now.
All licensing is doing is pushing up the costs of holidaying in Scotland, squeezing the supply of accommodation for our world-leading Festivals while generating a flourishing black market, damaging local businesses for no material benefit, and further legal challenges cannot be ruled out.
Our message to government is clear: there has to be real, tangible change otherwise more small indigenous Scottish businesses will continue to close, it is as simple as that.”
