The death of the B&B
Owners sell up as SNP’s ‘ridiculous’ new tourism tax looms
FRUSTRATED guesthouse owners have told how they are quitting the sector because of the SNP’s tourism tax amid fears it will ‘sound the death knell’ for B&Bs.
From April, laws will make it mandatory for all Scottish properties which are rented out shortterm, from entire castles to spare bedrooms, to have complicated and costly licences in order to operate.
Businesses on Orkney – one of Scotland’s most remote communities, and one which depends on its short tourism season for muchneeded revenue – have said the licences and bureaucratic red tape attached to them have left them with no option but to close.
Julie Richards, 61, a B&B owner in Tankerness, said: ‘The Scottish Government are trying to crack a nut with a sledgehammer with this legislation. They are not listening.
‘The legislation was designed to tackle housing shortages and antisocial behaviour in cities. They then added in B&Bs without realising what it would mean. You are not going to get drug-fuelled disorder at our B&B, because it’s our house and we wouldn’t let it happen.
‘We have run our place for more than ten years and were looking to do it for years to come. Now we are looking at selling the property.
‘In peak season there is not a bed to be had in Orkney and there will be less available next year, so revenue overall will fall. It could even lead to a drop in population.
‘Rural parts across Scotland are in the same position as us. We call on the Scottish Government, at the very least, to suspend implementation of these licences.’
Kathy Bichan, 67, of Orphir, is also planning to quit. She said: ‘I have had my B&B business for 28 years and decided it’s just not worth it now, so it will be closing.
‘You need fire-risk assessments, photos of furniture, electrical certificates and testing of items such as the kettle, water tests, insurance and floor plans. It costs thousands even before the cost of the licence.
‘In 28 years I have never electrocuted, poisoned or killed anyone so the requirements seem ridiculous. I am four-star, have terrific reviews, and just don’t need this aggravation – it’s unfair.
‘If more people take the same decision, there will be fewer, if any, B&Bs left on Orkney. This is going to devastate our tourism industry.’
The Scottish Mail on Sunday told last week how other property owners who face going out of business, many of whom operate in Edinburgh, had blasted the legislation.
They believe the licensing regime poses a threat to the future of the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe.
Fiona Campbell, chief executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, confirmed her group has ‘instructed legal opinion’ as it looks to challenge the new law.
She said: ‘Small accommodation providers are enduring onerous and expensive red tape.
‘The extra expense will render many businesses unviable. At its worst, it may sound the death knell for many in our sector, including B&Bs. Regrettably, we are already seeing operators leave in droves.’
The Scottish Government said: ‘We are taking action to ensure all short-term lets are safe. This legislation has been passed by MSPs. We are confident it is legally robust.’
‘We are already seeing operators leave in droves’