Scotland: The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers [ASSC] has appointed Clare Winskill as its new chair.
The selection of Winskill was made at a recent AGM held virtually by the association last month.
As the owner of Coruisk House Michelin Guide Restaurant and Hotel on Skye and self-catering cottage An Nead [‘The Nest’], Winskill brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her new role.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavours, Winskill serves as a director at the Scottish Tourism Alliance [STA], advocating for regenerative tourism practices that benefit both the economy and local communities.
More recently, she assumed the role of co-chair at the Institute of Directors’ Highlands and Islands branch, and is actively pursuing certification as a chartered director.
Winskill assumes the role as chair of the ASSC with immediate effect, and is tasked with leading the organisation towards “a future of ingenuity and resilience in Scotland’s tourism sector”.
Winskill said: “I am honoured to play a key part in representing Scotland’s self-catering community during this pivotal juncture in the industry. My focus is on supporting our team, members, and partners, ensuring continued growth and development of the ASSC to meet the diverse needs of our membership.
“I am eager to leverage the benefits of collaboration and draw upon my connections within STA to drive positive change,” she added.
ASSC chief executive Fiona Campbell said: “We are thrilled to welcome Clare as our new chair. With her fresh perspective and dynamic approach, we are confident in our ability to navigate evolving landscapes and emerge stronger.
“Clare’s leadership will undoubtedly propel us toward continued success amidst changing times,” she added.
Winskill’s arrival comes at a challenging time for Scotland’s self-catering tourism sector, after a short-term lets licensing scheme came into effect at the start of October.
Since then, opposition to the scheme – and its application – has not died down,
In the capital city of Edinburgh, a licensing scheme for short-term let hosts and property managers proposed by the City of Edinburgh Council in 2022 was deemed unlawful in a landmark ruling at the Court of Session in Scotland last June. Following a judicial review, Lord Braid found that rules concerning a city-wide ‘control area’, which was introduced in a bid to address a proliferation of short-term let listings in Edinburgh, could not be applied retrospectively.
