The recommendation follows the Scottish Government Ministers' decision on 26 October 2026 to approve the designation of STLCAs. These areas are designed to manage the loss of housing stock, support sustainable communities, and balance housing needs with the visitor economy.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, stated, “Following Scottish Government approval, the Council can now move forward with implementing these STLCAs, which will help us strike a better balance between supporting tourism growth and protecting much-needed housing for local people. The introduction of STLCAs is not about stopping short-term lets, but about ensuring the future conversion of residential homes to short-term lets are properly considered through the planning system.”
A six-week public consultation in May and June 2026 received over 800 responses. Support among residents was strong, with 84% backing the Inverness City proposal and 72% supporting the Highland Rural proposal. Local area committees reviewed the feedback before the Economy and Infrastructure Committee submitted the proposals to Scottish Ministers on 28 September 2026.
At a meeting on Thursday 12 November 2026, the committee will be asked to note the ministerial decision and agree to publish a statutory notice of designation, confirming the 1 April 2027 commencement date.
The Inverness City STLCA will encompass Inverness West, Central, Ness-side, Millburn, and parts of South Inverness, including Westhill, Milton of Leys, and Slackbuie. The Highland Rural STLCA will cover Lochaber, Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh, Sutherland, Skye and Raasay, Aird and Loch Ness, and parts of South Inverness, including Tomatin and Daviot.
STLCAs will not apply retrospectively or prohibit existing short-term letting. They will ensure that future changes of use from residential to secondary short-term lets require planning permission. Existing operators can continue under current arrangements unless planning permission would already have been needed under existing legislation.
