13 hours ago
Huge blow to holidaymakers as major restrictions could hit popular Scots tourist spot
They already have the measure in one area
LETS IT GO Huge blow to holidaymakers as major restrictions could hit popular Scots tourist spot
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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.
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Councillors have called for a short term let control zone across the Highlands
Credit: Alamy
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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.
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"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.
