TRUDY MORRIS: Unique tourism offering in north Highlands has an opportunity to shine
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Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, says businesses need to be ready for short-term lets licensing legislation
It's mid-February and the wild, although not completely unseasonable, weather of recent weeks has left many of us dreaming of more leisurely and relaxing days ahead.
From a secluded cottage for two on the coast to a large country manor big enough for that special family celebration, the rise in popularity of independent property hosting websites has highlighted the quirky and often wholeheartedly unique holiday lets market.
With our famed Highland welcome and stunning scenery, it’s true that in the north Highlands we have our fair share of distinctive holiday homes. The dramatic Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, perched on the cliffs at Noss Head, and the Scandinavian-inspired Highland Haven with its charming box beds and panoramic views are just two fantastic examples of the self-catering offering in our region.
According to the 2023 travel trends from Expedia Group, travellers are craving authentic experiences, with rustic “hay-cations” on countryside farms and the search for lesser-known “hidden gems” high on this year’s tourism wish list.
With the cost-of-living crisis affecting many household budgets, savvy consumers are looking to save costs by staying in, cooking, and entertaining at home, seeing well-equipped kitchens and abundant family dining space also high on the priority list.
This is positive news for self-catering business owners, who like their business peers in the wider tourism and hospitality sector are still very much in recovery from the effects of the pandemic.
This year an update to regulations will see business owners of short-term lets faced with changes to their operational requirements, with the implementation of the new short-term lets licensing scheme. The scheme is mandatory for all short-term let accommodation across Scotland and includes holiday cottages, B&Bs, guest houses, rooms within a home, and unconventional accommodations such as pods and yurts.
An essential component in Scotland’s tourism offering, it is estimated that the self-catering sector boosts the Scottish economy by £867 million per annum, supporting 24,000 jobs.
In regions such as our own in the north Highlands, short-term lets are a vital element of our diverse tourism landscape. Particularly in rural destinations, these properties not only contribute to our tourism portfolio but also house essential transient workers in sectors such as health care, engineering and transport.
The licensing scheme aims to ensure all short-term let premises are safe, facilitate Scottish licensing authorities in understanding the businesses operating in their area, and assist with the needs of the neighbouring community.
Business owners are justifiably concerned about business impacts, associated costs, and timescale around meeting regulatory compliances (including safety standards), however we must act now to prepare for the changes and obligations ahead.
In partnership with our members Venture North, we are pleased to welcome Gary Somers, a solicitor in the licensing team at the Highland Council for an update and Q&A session on the short-term let licensing legislation. The event will take place online on February 27 and is free to attend for all Caithness Chamber of Commerce and Venture North members.
As we look forward to all that’s ahead in 2023, I hope a flourishing tourism season will be in store for the north Highland region.
