There’s something truly special about owning a holiday home in Scotland. Whether it’s a cosy retreat in Aviemore, a countryside escape in the Cairngorms National Park, or a coastal haven elsewhere in the Highlands, a Scottish holiday home can be both a wonderful lifestyle investment and a rewarding business opportunity.
At Escape Cottages Scotland, we work with holiday home owners across the Highlands — and as we grow, we’re excited to support owners across the whole of Scotland.
If you’re thinking about buying a holiday home to let, here’s what you need to know.
1. Holiday Home Licence & Planning Permission in Scotland
In Scotland, all short-term let properties must have a Short-Term Let Licence from the local council. This is now a legal requirement.
In some areas — particularly parts of the Highlands and popular tourist hotspots — you may also need to apply for planning permission before operating as a holiday let.
Regulations vary slightly by council area, so it’s important to check early in the buying process. Getting this right from the start avoids delays and protects your investment.
2. Health & Safety Compliance – A Must for Every Holiday Home
Guest safety is your top priority. You’ll need to carry out a risk assessment and take action where required.
Here are some essentials every compliant Scottish holiday home should have:
Annual boiler service
Chimney serviced and swept (if applicable)
Fire extinguisher
Fire blanket
Plug-in emergency lighting
First aid box
Mattress and pillow protectors
A comprehensive guest welcome book with:
Emergency contact numbers
Local services
Important house information
If your property has stairs and you’re marketing as family-friendly, consider a pull-out stair gate fixed to the wall — the floor-mounted ones can be a trip hazard.
If you have a log fire, it’s common (and appreciated!) to leave a small starter pack of logs, firelighters and matches.
3. Commercial Waste & Practical Considerations
You will need to organise commercial waste uplifts — domestic collections usually don’t apply to holiday lets.
If your property sleeps 4 guests or more, we recommend:
2 general waste bins
2 recycling bins
It’s amazing how much rubbish guests generate — especially over Christmas and New Year!
4. Linen, Towels & Bedding Essentials
We recommend purchasing three full sets of linen and towels, including:
Bath towels (one per guest)
Hand towels
Bath mats
Tea towels
Oven mitts
For bedding:
Two pillows on a single bed
Four pillows on king-size beds or larger
Having three sets ensures smooth changeovers and protects you if laundry is delayed.
5. What to Leave for Your Guests
Guests don’t want to rush to the shops the moment they arrive. We recommend leaving:
Washing up liquid
2 toilet rolls per bathroom
Dishwasher tablets, salt & rinse aid
Washing machine liquid or pods
2 cleaning cloths
A full roll of general bin bags
Small bin liners for bathroom and bedroom bins
These thoughtful touches go a long way in reviews.
6. The Extras Guests Love (and Ask For!)
Certain features consistently attract bookings and five-star reviews:
Good-sized TVs with streaming services (Netflix or Prime are guest favourites)
A coffee machine (one of our most requested items!)
A cafetière
Plenty of cups, glasses, plates and serving dishes
Comfortable seating — no one wants to perch awkwardly when relaxing
Fresh flowers are a simple but beautiful welcome touch.
A small welcome pack on arrival — perhaps wine, crisps and biscuits — helps guests feel instantly at home.
7. Dog-Friendly Holiday Homes
If you’re marketing as dog-friendly, consider providing:
Dog bowls
Towels for muddy paws
Poo bags
A small treat
These small details make a big impression with pet owners.
8. Family-Friendly Holiday Homes
Families appreciate:
High chair
Travel cot
Children’s cutlery and plates
A safe stair gate
Being properly equipped makes your property much more appealing to young families.
9. Hot Tubs – A Guest Favourite
If you’re investing in a hot tub, a few practical extras will protect your investment:
A net so guests can skim out debris
Plastic glasses (never glass near a hot tub)
Clear instructions about glass safety
Somewhere to hang towels
Bathrobes and slippers for that luxury feel
10. Build a Reliable Local Team
Contact local services early and gather multiple quotes for:
Window cleaners
Laundry providers
Gardening services
Housekeeping and cleaning
Property management
Having dependable support in place is essential for smooth operations.
11. Commercial Holiday Home Insurance
Standard home insurance is not enough. You must have commercial holiday home insurance when letting your property. This protects both you and your guests.
Thinking of Letting Your Scottish Holiday Home?
Owning a holiday home in Scotland can be incredibly rewarding — but it does require planning, compliance and attention to detail.
At Escape Cottages Scotland, we specialise in holiday home lettings in Aviemore and the Cairngorms — and we’re now expanding across Scotland.
We support owners with:
Licensing guidance
Marketing & bookings
Guest communication
Housekeeping coordination
Maximising occupancy and revenue
If you’re considering buying a holiday home — or already own one and want expert support — we would love to chat.
Let’s make your property stand out for all the right reasons.
Get in touch today and join our growing portfolio of beautiful Scottish holiday homes.
Take care,
Julie