Huge blow to holidaymakers as major restrictions could hit popular Scots tourist spot
LETS IT GO Huge blow to holidaymakers as major restrictions could hit popular Scots tourist spot
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
HOLIDAYMAKERS could be hit by new restrictions targeting a popular tourist spot.
Councillors could introduce plans to bring in new curbs AirBnb-style lets across the entire Scottish Highlands.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
3
Councillors have called for a short term let control zone across the Highlands
Credit: Alamy
3
They want extra regulations on AirBnb style rentals
Credit: Alamy
Highland councillors have proposed the short-term let control zone over a shortage of homes for locals.
It comes as 7,011 short-term rentals were given the green light across the Highlands, with only four being refused.
A control zone would require people wanting to run an AirBnb-style let to have a licence or planning permission.
The plan could impact the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit the Highlands every year.
Edinburgh's entire council area became Scotland's first control zone in 2022 to combat the flood of holiday rentals pricing out locals amid a nationwide housing crisis.
The Highlands has had a control zone in Badenoch and Strathspey since March 2024.
Highlands council recently heard how 24,000 homes will be needed over the next decade.
Inverness councillors Michael Gregson and Duncan Macpherson are suggesting the council-wide control zone to protect locals.
They said: "The private long-term rental market has shrunk disastrously: estate agents are withdrawing from letting out properties because of the shortage of properties available.
We rented our home to family on Airbnb…but 500 feral teens TRASHED it after party
"Even taking into account the efforts of Highland Council and the housing associations, there is a shortage of affordable housing."
The councillors called on SNP ministers to change existing laws and introduce an "overprovision policy" to prevent AirBnbs taking over communities.
But they said if that fails then the Highland-wide control zone should be brought in.
Council officials responded saying both plans could end up causing more financial and legal work for staff.
They also added a council-wide zone would need to be researched.
They added it could also lead to extra workload and costs for the planning department.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times
44 minutes ago
- Times
Pay of FTSE 100 bosses rises for fourth year to new record
The total pay of the chief executives of Britain's biggest public companies has increased for a fourth successive year to a new high. The median earnings of the bosses of companies in the FTSE 100, the UK's premier share index, rose 6.8 per cent in the past year to £4.58 million, from £4.29 million in 2023-24, research by the High Pay Centre think tank showed. That was 122 times the median salary of full-time UK workers of £37,430. The highest pay was at Melrose, the aerospace business, where executives were awarded tens of millions of pounds each, boosted by a five-year incentive scheme, triggering a large shareholder revolt at the company's annual meeting this year. Among the ten highest paid chief executives were Sir Pascal Soriot at AstraZeneca , Britain's most valuable public company, who was paid £14.7 million, and Charles Woodburn, who received £11.7 million at BAE Systems, the defence company. The number of FTSE 100 companies paying their chief executives £10 million or more increased from ten to 13 in the past year. Executive pay has been a contentious issue in corporate Britain for years, particularly during economic downturns, and the issue led to sizeable shareholder revolts during the annual meeting season in the spring. Chief executives' pay in the United States, the world's biggest economy, tends to be even larger, with stock awards making up a significant component. The median total compensation for S&P 500 bosses was $17.1 million (£12.6 million) in 2024, a 9.7 per cent increase from the previous year. The prime minister with BAE Systems chief Charles Woodburn GETTY IMAGES A number of FTSE 100 companies have driven through higher American-style incentive schemes recently, arguing they are necessary to hire and retain talented executives in the US. They include Ashtead, Smith & Nephew and Convatec. The High Pay Centre, which campaigns on the issue, argues that excessive spending on top earners often comes at the expense of pay increases for the rest of the workforce. It is calling for the Employment Rights Bill to be introduced in 'full', arguing that higher trade union membership and collective bargaining coverage are linked to reduced pay inequality. Luke Hildyard, director of the High Pay Centre, said: 'The contrast between the multimillion-pound pay awards for the CEOs of Britain's biggest corporations and the wider economic uncertainty and social division across the country is really stark. These figures will feed a growing sense that low and middle earners don't get a fair share of the wealth that their work helps to create, while those at the top take much more than they merit or need.' Its research was based on chief executive pay disclosures made in annual company reports for financial years ending between April 2024 and March 2025 and on the FTSE 100 as constituted at the end of the second quarter of 2024.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Shock number of pubs closing EVERY week in Britain revealed – with crippling Labour tax hikes blamed
Experts warn the squeeze on pubs is intensifying LAST ORDERS Shock number of pubs closing EVERY week in Britain revealed – with crippling Labour tax hikes blamed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EIGHT pubs are closing down every week in Britain amid crippling running costs and tax hikes, figures show. Boozer bosses have blamed Labour policies for the 'heartbreaking' rate of closures. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Government figures show 209 pubs were shut in the first half of the year. That brings the total number of pubs calling a permanent last orders in the past five years to 2,283. Industry chiefs said the employer National Insurance rise and increasing staff costs were responsible. Hospitality venues have also seen their business rates discount slashed, which has saddled the sector with an extra £215million of tax. Supported by The Sun's Save Our Sups campaign, pub bosses are asking Chancellor Rachel Reeves for relief in the autumn Budget. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said the Government needs to act quickly to stop more closures. She said: 'Unfortunately, a lot of these pubs never come back. It's absolutely heartbreaking. 'There is a direct link between pubs closing for good and the huge jump in costs they have just endured. Pubs and brewers are important employers and are really valuable to local communities across the country. 'They have real social value. The Government needs to act at the Budget, with major reforms to business rates and beer duty.' Alex Probyn, practice leader at tax services firm Ryan, warned the squeeze on pubs is intensifying. Tiny English village that inspired the world's longest running soap opera is home to cosy historic pub and country walks He said: 'Slashing business rates relief for pubs from 75 per cent to 40 this year has landed the sector with an extra £215million in tax bills. 'For a small pub, that's a leap in the average bill from £3,938 to £9,451.
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
Is it a Bank Holiday today?
What to know about the UK's next official day off work if you're feeling that summer slowdown 🌞 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Many Brits are wondering if mid-August marks their next day off work The late summer bank holiday is a long-standing tradition in the UK It's a popular time for festivals, seaside trips, and family gatherings Dates for bank holidays can differ depending on where you live in the UK The next UK-wide bank holidays after August come during the festive season It feels like it's been ages since the last bank holiday, so surely we're due one again, right? We all know there's a big one coming in August, but when exactly is it? Could it be today? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The late August bank holiday has been part of the UK calendar for decades, originally intended to give workers a break before the summer season wrapped up. The popular summer holiday is often marked by festivals, trips to the seaside, family barbecues, and one last dose of summer before autumn begins to creep in. But if you've found yourself wondering whether Monday, August 18, 2025 is a bank holiday, the answer is: unfortunately, no. Even though today isn't a bank holiday, it's easy to see why people check – August has that 'holiday' feel, and many of us are looking forward to squeezing in one last summer adventure. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But when exactly is the August bank holiday? On what official days off from work can Brits look forward to in the remainder of 2025? (Photo: Pexels) | Pexels Is today a bank holiday? While the mid-August Monday might have you dreaming of a long weekend, the actual late August bank holiday doesn't arrive until the following week. In 2025, it falls on Monday, August 25 across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its placement on the last Monday of August is ideal for making the most of warm weather while it lasts. Many use it for quick getaways, big events, or just enjoying a lazy day at home. Whether you're planning to hit a music festival, take a trip to the coast, or simply enjoy a quiet day with family and friends, now is a good time to start pencilling in your plans. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But it's worth remembering that bank holiday dates can vary depending on where you live in the UK. While England, Wales, and Northern Ireland all observe the August bank holiday on the last Monday of the month, Scotland has its summer bank holiday on the first Monday of August. So for Scots, the long weekend has already been and gone this year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When is the next bank holiday? If you're already thinking ahead, the next UK-wide bank holidays after August will be Christmas Day on Thursday, December 25 and Boxing Day on Friday, December 26, 2025. That means the late August long weekend is your last chance for an official day off before the festive season.
