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ASSC Achievements

Representing, Championing, and Supporting Scotland’s Self-Catering Sector Since 1978

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. 

Visitor Levy Reform 

  • Co-authored a practical national reform proposal for the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, introducing: 
  • A flat-fee, banded model 
  • A QR code-based digital payment system 
  • Expansion to include cruise passengers and hired motorhomes 
  • Despite this being backed by legal experts, local authorities and industry, Scottish Ministers were not minded to adopt the proposals. 

 

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 to give members practical steps to cut emissions and promote regenerative tourism 
  • Launched the Climate Action Plan in 2025, structured around five key pathways: Measure, Decarbonise, Regenerate, Collaborate, and Finance 
  • Created tailored resources including carbon footprint toolkits, procurement guides, and Responsible Tourism guidance 
  • Set a sector goal for 35% of members to adopt identifiable sustainability measures by 2030 
  • Promoting initiatives such as the “Stay Green in Scotland” visitor campaign and low-carbon guest travel options 
  • Advocating for ethical funding solutions and green investment opportunities for small businesses 
  • Support responsible, community-based tourism through our policy, partnerships, and educational resources 
  • Advocate for wellbeing and mental health, making these pillars of our work 

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. 

Ready to Join? 

Become a Member 
Explore Member Benefits 

“We couldn’t have navigated the pandemic without you at the front.” – ASSC Member, Highlands
“You are an awesome inspiration and a force to be reckoned with.” – ASSC Member, Argyll