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The Highland Council

Short term lets

The Scottish Government has introduced legislation which requires local authorities to establish a licensing scheme for short term lets by 1 October 2022.

The legislation was brought in by the Scottish Government to ensure short term lets are safe, to address issues faced by neighbours, and to help local authorities understand what is happening in their area.

The legislation aims to balance economic and tourism benefits with the needs and concerns of local communities.

In addition to the introduction of the licensing scheme for short term lets, the legislation allows the local authority to establish short term let “control areas” to help manage high numbers of short term lets.

Overview

Apply for a licence

You do not currently need to evidence planning permission as part of your application, however, properties in Badenoch and Strathspey may have additional planning requirements if it becomes a designated Short Term Let Control Area.

Before you start your application, read through the following pages and the Planning section below.

Apply for a licence

Planning permission

This guidance relates to the planning implications. It is the operator's responsibility to ensure they have the appropriate planning permission in place.

Contacts