Insights

Expert analysis & regulatory updates

Our team shares insights on policy changes, licensing developments, and practical guidance for STL operators across the UK.

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Showing posts tagged Control AreasClear

Regulation1 September 2026·6 min read

Argyll and Bute Moves on Four Control Areas - ASSC Warns of Legal Challenge

On 25 June 2026 Argyll and Bute Council agreed to consult on Control Area designations covering Mull, Iona, Coll, Tiree, Islay, Jura, Colonsay and the Lorn and Inner Isles (which extends onto the mainland). The Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers has publicly warned of a potential legal challenge. What operators in the affected areas should be doing now, and why the challenge may not save them if it fails.

#Scotland #Argyll and Bute #Control Areas #ASSC

Planning5 September 2026·7 min read

Highland Control Areas: Consultations Closed, Committee Decisions Imminent - Operators Should Not Wait

Highland Council's consultations on two further Short-Term Let Control Areas — Inverness City, and Highland Rural (which as consulted on includes the Wester Ross / Strathpeffer / Lochalsh corridor) — closed over the summer. The published Wester Ross / Strathpeffer / Lochalsh strand returned a narrow overall majority in favour of designation. The Economy and Infrastructure Committee will decide later in 2026 - and operators in those areas should be acting now, not after.

#Highland #Planning #Control Areas

Regulation10 July 2026·8 min read

Argyll and Bute, Perth and Kinross, Highland Rural: Scotland's Control Area Map Is Being Redrawn - and Fast

Three Scottish authorities moved on Control Area designation over summer 2026. Argyll and Bute agreed to consult on four island and peninsula areas (with a legal challenge already threatened by the ASSC). Perth and Kinross has already submitted its designation for Highland Perthshire to Scottish Ministers. Highland's own further consultations have closed. Operators in the affected areas have weeks, not months.

#Scotland #Control Areas #Regulation #Argyll and Bute #Perth and Kinross

Planning15 May 2026·7 min read

Highland Drops Its 'Four-Bedroom Rule': A Fresh Planning Opportunity in Ward 20

Highland Council has disapplied a non-statutory policy that blocked planning permission for short-term lets with fewer than four bedrooms in its Badenoch and Strathspey control area. Operators previously refused on that basis may now be able to reapply - possibly without a planning fee.

#Highland #Planning #Control Areas

Licensing15 May 2026·11 min read

Edinburgh Festival 2026: What You Need to Legally Let Your Property

A practical guide to the licensing and planning regime for festival-period short-term letting in Edinburgh. The four common scenarios - home letting, home sharing, secondary letting, and the August arbitrage of student flats - and what each one actually requires.

#Edinburgh #Licensing #Festivals #Planning #Control Areas

Regulation15 May 2026·6 min read

Highland Council Opens Consultation on Two New STL Control Areas

Inverness City and a sweeping Highland Rural area are now in consultation as proposed Short-Term Let Control Areas. Operators in Skye, Lochaber, Wester Ross, Sutherland and Inverness should act before any designation takes effect.

#Highland #Control Areas #Planning #Inverness #Skye

Regulation15 May 2026·12 min read

Short-Term Let Control Areas: Extent and Effects

A comprehensive guide to STL Control Areas in Scotland - the law, the designation process, the current map, the proposed extensions, the protection for pre-existing uses, and what operators should do now.

#Control Areas #Edinburgh #Highland #Planning

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