Highlands & Islands MSP Maree Todd is calling for residents across the Highlands & Islands to make their views known in a new Scottish Government consultation on the regulation of short-term lets. This applies to Orkney short-term lets as well.
The Scottish Government’s proposals include a mandatory licensing scheme to ensure that all short-term lets are safe and to address issues faced by neighbours. If passed by Parliament, new regulations would come into force by April 2021.
Welcoming the consultation, Maree Todd MSP said:
“It is really important that residents across the Highlands & Islands make their views known through this consultation.
“We are seeing locals in tourist hot spots like Skye and Tiree, for example, unable to purchase property due to a steady increase in short-term property letting over the years, which has forced property prices up in these areas.
“We know that tourism is important to the Highland economy and we love to welcome visitors to our part of the world, but positive action is needed to protect the long-term interests of local communities.”
If introduced, the regulation proposed by the Scottish Government would give local authorities the powers to mitigate the pressures caused by short-term letting in hard-hit communities.
Ms Todd adds:
“Engaging in this consultation will help shape evidence-based proposals for a licensing scheme and short-term let controls in the Highlands & Islands. I would urge residents across the region to get involved and share their views.”
The Scottish Government’s consultation is open until Friday the 16th of October.
The consultation paper can be found on the Scottish Government website: https://consult.gov.scot/housing-services-policy-unit/short-term-lets-licensing-scheme/
