DOZENS of the largest properties listed on Airbnb in Scotland are flouting coronavirus guidance on the number of people allowed to stay there, it has been reported.
STV News carried out an investigation, contacting 62 of Scotland’s largest Airbnbs and finding three quarters of them agreed to bookings that would violate the Government’s guidance.
The Scottish Government has changed the number of people who can gather indoors and outdoors to six from two households.
But one Airbnb owner told the news organisation that it would be fine for 38 people to stay at their property.
The report comes after two men were charged when 300 people attended a party hosted in a rented Midlothian mansion.
READ MORE: Coronavirus in Scotland: Two charged after 300 attend Scots house party
Marc Crothall, of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said: “It’s irresponsible and disappointing that independent operators are choosing to behave in this way.”
Meanwhile Nicola Baird, who manages self-catering properties in Aberdeenshire, is concerned that owners flouting rules in this way could lead to problems for other tourism firms, warning “it gives the rest of us a bad name”.
She added: “We certainly don’t want to destroy a very hard working effort to build up a good reputation, at the end of the day it’s about our guests and clients, it’s not about a quick buck.”
The rental firm said it would contact owners in Scotland to remind them of the guidelines.
They told the broadcaster: “The Scottish Government’s rules on gatherings of more than six people apply to two mixing households and our focus is on ensuring our community is aware of these rules and how they apply to them.”
Scottish Greens housing spokesperson Andy Wightman said: “My research into short term lets in Edinburgh shows that the vast majority operate unlawfully already because they do not have planning consent. To hear that so many are willing to flout public health guidelines too is very worrying indeed.
“This is why there needs to be far better regulation of this sector, which has put increasing pressure on housing stock, caused a nuisance for neighbours and encouraged unsafe behaviours during the pandemic.”
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