Ian

5th May 2023

Ian has been operating one self catering let in Edinburgh for 3 years.

I own a small holiday let in Edinburgh, I lived and worked in the city for 25 years. I am a self employed carpenter so work is very sporadic, my holiday let is an absolute life line for me.

I have tried to make the flat as individual and unique as Edinburgh itself, I have poured all my money and effort into it for my guests.

I am also very conscious of my neighbours, I have sound-proofed my door, lifted floorboard to insulate and eliminate squeaking, I have put rugs down in all rooms.

I pay for the stairwell to be cleaned weekly and I maintain the communal areas off my own back, replacing light bulbs, having the stairwell lights time clock reset, redecorating after water damage.

Removing rubbish that was dumped in the garden.

I also use the flat for me, my wife and 8 year old son, we love to visit Edinburgh as much as we can and Eli loves coming to visit the city’s museums and attractions.

I hope that the council and Scottish government reconsider the legislation and planning, there has to be a better way.