Owners of short-term let properties in North Ayrshire are being urged to apply for a licence before the deadline.

Under Scotland’s short-term let licensing scheme, applications must be submitted by September 30 this year.

The short-term let licensing scheme applies to a wide range of accommodations including self-catered properties, B&Bs and guest houses as well as other temporary accommodations such as houses, flats and rented rooms.

Councillor Eleanor Collier, chairperson of North Ayrshire Council's licensing committee, said: “Many applications have already been received and granted however there are still a significant number of hosts who have not yet applied.

“There may be a variety of reasons why they haven’t yet submitted their application but we would ask them to do so as quickly as possible.

“Our licensing team are more than happy to answer any questions applicants have to support them through the process.”

The deadline applies to hosts who have been running short-term lets prior to October 2022.

Accommodation providers can continue operating while their short-term let application is being considered if submitted before the deadline.

Existing hosts are strongly advised to submit an application by September 30 to allow them to continue to accept bookings and can contact the North Ayrshire Licensing Department for assistance with applications.

New short-term letting operators can start trading once their licence has been granted.

For more information about the new policy and details on how to apply can be found at north-ayrshire.gov.uk/ShortTermLets.