Council forced into second homes climbdown after ‘fiery' residents' revolt
North Ayrshire Council is reviewing the impact of the policy on the island of Great Cumbrae after residents complained it would harm their economy, which is reliant on tourism.
The SNP-led authority imposed a 100pc council tax premium on second home owners last month, sparking an opposition movement among its 1,400 residents.
The majority of Scottish authorities introduced similar charges after being given the power to do so in 2024.
More than 200 authorities in England also launched a second homes raid this year – something The Telegraph is campaigning against.
There are 450 second homes on Cumbrae, a small island situated one mile – or a 10-minute ferry – from the Scottish mainland. Its close proximity to the mainland makes it an attractive destination.
One in three properties on Cumbrae are a second home while around a quarter of residents work in tourism-related jobs.
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