The consultation on whether controls are necessary in the two tourist hotspots began this month and runs until 18 August.

Perth and Kinross Council’s Environment, Infrastructure and Economic Development Committee agreed to carry out the consultation when it met last week.

The availability and affordability of housing was one of the top concerns of Perth and Kinross residents when engagement on the Perth and Kinross Local Housing Strategy 2022-27 was carried out last year.

While tourism is an important part of the economy in Highland and Eastern Perthshire, concerns were raised there is not enough affordable accommodation for staff, which makes it difficult for businesses to recruit the staff they need or provide services needed by the community.

Councillor Andrew Parrott, convenor of Perth and Kinross Council’s Environment, Infrastructure and Development Committee, said: “We want to understand exactly what the impact of short-term lets is on our communities so we can consider the best way forward.

“The more people who respond, the more information we can use to make an informed decision based on weighing up the benefits of short-term lets to our tourism businesses against their impact on the local housing market.

“Any control areas would not operate as a complete ban on short-term lets but would limit planning permissions to where the economic benefit of the let would be greater than the loss of a home.

“As agreed by Committee, the consultation will close on 18 August, which gives people plenty of opportunity to share their opinions. Given how important the issue is to so many of our residents, it is important we do not keep kicking the can down the road so will not extend the consultation beyond that date.”

“This is an important issue across Scotland. We’ve had a strong response to the consultation so far but I urge everyone to make sure their voice is heard by visiting our Consultation Hub before the closing date.”

The consultation can be completed here.