Thursday 24 September 2020

We are extremely disappointed in the news we have received this morning that the government have made a huge u-turn on their decision regarding self-catering holidays. Please see below the email the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers received late last night;

Dear Fiona,

We are so sorry to advise you that following further review of the Scottish Government’s position, our one household restriction for private homes will also apply to self-catering properties when our revised regulations become law on Friday. We realise that this is a change from the information that we were able to give you yesterday, but unfortunately our position has reluctantly had to be updated following further consideration, taking into account key public health considerations, over the course of today.

We know this will this will be huge disappointment for self-catering businesses, and will incur further financial hardship after a very difficult trading year. However, this decision has not been taken lightly, and we feel it is important to act quickly now in order to stem the very concerning recent rise in new covid cases.

Our decision to limit household interaction was informed by analysis showing that the higher the number of people and households that meet and interact, the greater the risk of transmission. By implementing these restrictions now, we hope to get to a more stable position in suppressing the spread of the virus. Not only will this have positive health implications, but it would ultimately provide for more stability for industry.

As you know, you are one of our key partners, and we have valued your leadership and advice through this difficult time for us all. We would really appreciate your continuing support with these difficult changes, and with your agreement, my officials will be in contact tomorrow to work with you to update the guidance and prepare a Q&A fact sheet for your members.

Fergus Ewing MSP

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism

(11pm 23rd September 2020)