Short-term let owners have been urged to apply for new licences before the October 1 deadline.
Currently there are only 28 valid applications in the Helensburgh and Lomond area – and under the new scheme existing hosts can only continue to operate if they have made an application for licence by the deadline.
After that date, the Scottish Government rules state that unlicensed premises will not be able to take bookings and could be fined up to £2,500.
A register of all valid applications on Argyll and Bute Council’s website shows there have been 18 in the Lomond North ward, which includes part of Loch Lomondside, Arrochar, Garelochhead, Shandon and the Rosneath Peninsula.
There have been eight applications in the Helensburgh Central ward and two in Helensburgh and Lomond South.
Policy lead for legal and regulatory services Kieron Green said: “Short-term let accommodation plays a significant role in Argyll and Bute’s economy.
“As a council, we want to ensure that our many visitors from across the globe have a positive and safe experience here. The new national scheme will assist in regulating safety standards, and help address any concerns from local communities.
“If you are an existing short-term lets operator, please make sure you have submitted your application prior to the October 1 deadline to make sure you can still take bookings and operate.”
Licences are valid for three years and the fees equate to £80 annually for a small bed and breakfast with less than four guests and £160 per year for a self-catering property for six guests.
You can apply on the council website https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/licences/short-term-lets-licence where there is further information including:
- A pre-application checklist
- A list of who should apply and who is exempt
- Frequently asked questions
- Licence fees
More information on the short-term licensing scheme is available on The Scottish Government website.
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