The short term let licensing scheme will apply to a wide range of accommodation including self-catered properties, B&B’s, guest houses, glamping pods and yurts.

The licensing scheme was brought in by the Scottish Government with the aim to ensure short term lets are safe, address issues faced by neighbours, to facilitate local authorities in knowing and understanding what is happening in their area and handling complaints effectively. It also enables local authorities to ensure the people providing short term lets are suitable.

The online public consultation on the draft policy and the proposed additional conditions for short term lets runs until Friday 5 August 2022.

Comments from the consultation will be presented and discussed at the meeting of the Highland Licensing Committee on 6 September 2022 where Members will finalise their policy statement.

Councillor Sean Kennedy, committee chair, said: “Due to a change in legislation, all local authorities are required to open a licensing scheme for short term lets by 1 October this year.

“The legislation aims to make sure that the economic and tourism benefits from short term lets are balanced with the needs and concerns of local communities.

“This is going to be a significant change for anyone who rents out accommodation, so I encourage people to have a look at the draft policy and get back to us with comments before the consultation ends.”