The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Holiday lets need to be controlled, say readers
The debate over the impact of holiday lets in parts of Perthshire may not go away any time soon. The effect on people trying to buy a home, coupled with trying to attract tourism to the area, has generated great discussion on the topic.
Self-catering business owners say their model gives people with a chance to get away without worrying so much about Covid. And they argue that visitors contribute to the local economy.
Over 60% of Courier readers who responded to a poll said they are in favour of greater controls for second homes and holiday lets in Perth and Kinross.
David Smyth and wife Moyra have run selfcatering business Cloag Farm Cottages in Methven for more than 30 years.
He believes self-catering accommodation is an asset to Perthshire, boosting the local economy.
“We have been running our self-catering business for 32 years with no problems,” he said.
“Visitors are happy and many return. Our visitors shop locally, visit attractions and eat out.
“Our business uses and supports other local businesses.”
He added: “There has been a huge demand for self-catering from a UK market this year as foreign travel has been difficult, and rural Perthshire is a good fit for a nervous population looking to get away.”
Meanwhile, the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers believes such businesses are an integral part of local communities.
Chief executive Fiona Campbell said: “Selfcatering is hugely important to Scottish tourism, in terms of jobs, revenue, and the worldclass experiences we’re able to offer our guests.
“To be such an essential part of Scotland’s tourism mix is even more remarkable for our sector, which generates £867 million every year, when we consider that most self-caterers operate small to medium-sized businesses.
“Scotland’s professional self-caterers are diligent, conscientious, and considerate business people who are unjustly accused of all sorts of things for which there is not a single scrap of credible evidence.
“We do not, for example, ‘hollow out communities’, as some have claimed but rather are part of local communities across Scotland and have been for many, many years.”
But some still believe holiday lets should be subject to more restrictions.
Last week, we heard from an elderly Blairgowrie resident who spoke about her negative experiences of living below a holiday let.
A reader survey showed 60% felt tighter restrictions should be in place.
Meanwhile, 25% felt there was not a need for such action, with just over 11% saying it is only necessary in some areas of Perth and Kinross. SNP councillor Mike Williamson of the Highland ward described the issue as a “difficult balance” with tourism providing jobs but a “lack of affordable housing”.
The debate is national. We revealed that renting a property during the 150th Open Championship in St Andrews could cost as much as £31,000.
A bid to control the number of short-term lets in the East Neuk of Fife has sparked a heated debate.
Like in Perthshire, Fife property owners say catering for tourists brings in vital business.
But many locals say they are being priced out of the market as once-affordable homes are bought for 10 to 20% above the asking price.
Fife Council has agreed to consider control zones for holiday lets.