To ask the Deputy First Minister whether the Scottish Government will review the impact of the short-term let licensing legislation, in light of the upcoming summer tourist season. (S6F-03216)

I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests in relation to close family members running a bed and breakfast.

The short-term let licensing scheme is aimed at ensuring that everyone coming to Scotland can be assured of safe, high-quality accommodation. That is especially important as we approach a busy summer tourist season. We recognise the growth of the short-term let sector and its importance to Scottish tourism. As a result, hosts have invested in the future of their businesses and are providing assurances to guests on safety and quality.

We are already undertaking planned monitoring of the legislation, and we recently lodged a statutory amendment order that makes technical changes as a result of feedback. If Parliament approves that amendment order, it will further support business activity and clarify exemptions. We will update Parliament in the summer on the scheme’s implementation, informed by our on-going engagement with stakeholders.

During the debate on the legislation, I raised concerns about its reach, as it includes, for example, yurts, tree houses and even lighthouses. I also raised concerns about local pressures for accommodation at times of popular tourist events, such as, in my constituency, the Melrose sevens, the Borders book festival in Melrose and common ridings across the Borders. I understand that flexibility to local authorities was part of the solution. I understand from what the Deputy First Minister said that the Government is monitoring the issue. Can she advise Parliament whether that flexibility is working?

Christine Grahame makes an important point, particularly about the significant tourist events that are happening locally. I can confirm that, if approved, the latest statutory amendment would provide additional flexibility around the periods for which local authorities are able to administer temporary exemptions to the licences. I hope that that would be of use when it comes to such events, which, as Ms Grahame said, are hugely important. Many authorities have chosen to offer such exemptions already. The Minister for Housing, Paul McLennan, will shortly update Parliament on implementation, which will cover local delivery. We continue to monitor the implementation of the licensing scheme and take on board any feedback from stakeholders.

Presiding Officer,

“We can all agree that the rollout of this scheme has certainly not been without its challenges over the last few years.”

Those are not my words but those of the Deputy First Minister to her constituents and businesses in the Highlands. Tourism leaders have been clear that irreversible damage is being caused by the legislation, but that seems to be falling on deaf ears in the Scottish Government. We need to see changes, and we need to see them now. The Minister for Housing has not gone far enough, which simply demonstrates how badly the legislation was drafted and implemented in the first place. I ask the Deputy First Minister to act on the issue today, by having ministers suspend the legislation until a full review can take place and Parliament can fix the problems that the Government has created.

The fact that Miles Briggs was able to quote me suggests that I am actively engaged in the issues and have taken a lot of interest in the matter locally in my Highland constituency. We are very responsive to feedback, and we will continue to engage with stakeholders. Only two days ago, I had a meeting with the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers to hear about its experience in full. I will continue to work with the Minister for Housing, who has been exemplary in his engagement, to ensure that we take any feedback on board.