Catherine Maxwell Stuart, owner of Traquair House, which has been lived-in for over 900 years “and was originally a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland”, was among those to raise concerns.
Eventually welcoming a total of 27 monarchs, the striking abode near Peebles, dates from 1107. It charges £6 entry and also has a bed and breakfast offering, and an on-site brewery.
Catherine Maxwell Stuart, owner of Traquair House, near Peebles(Image: Traquair House)
Ms Maxwell Stuart, the 21st Lady of Traquair, has spoken out over “legislative uncertainty, complex regulation and mounting fiscal pressures that are threatening the future of rural tourism businesses in Scotland”.
The Scottish Government said that “costs are a matter for businesses and organisations”.
The Historic Houses Association, a membership organisation that represents around 1,450 independent destinations, has published a new report and said: “We are particularly concerned about those rural heritage businesses that many of our members run, that support local economies and provide vitally needed jobs.”
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Ms Maxwell Stuart, who has a claim to family links with Mary, Queen of Scots, said: “We continue to have the challenge similar to many rural tourism businesses in the Scottish Borders of persuading people away from the hot spot of Edinburgh, which suffers from over-tourism.
“Public transport is an issue, and recruiting hospitality staff has also become much more difficult in the last few years.
“We are a diverse country with tourism unevenly spread. Taxation burdens must reflect this and continue to encourage visitors to the lesser-visited regions that are crying out for more visitors.
“We would like to see the Scottish Government support rural tourism to a greater extent and recognise its importance to the future of tourism in Scotland.”
The report found 90% of rural tourism business operators said the top challenge facing them was the “rising cost of doing business”.
The association said: “Problems recruiting staff and problems in securing planning permission were also challenges cited by respondents.”
“Recent policy changes in Scotland were of concern to some members,” it added. “A majority of those surveyed that responded to our question on the short-term lets licensing scheme had a negative view of its roll-out.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “The short-term let sector is an important part of tourism and enhances Scotland’s reputation as a quality tourist destination.
“Costs are a matter for businesses and organisations. However, we are aware of the pressure they are under. That’s why this year’s budget provides a package of non-domestic rates relief worth an estimated £733 million, including the small business bonus scheme which continues to be the most generous of its kind in the UK.”
Elsewhere this week, a change of name was signalled by investment giant Phoenix Group, deputy business editor Scott Wright reported.
He said it underlined the importance of its “most trusted brand” as it announced plans to change its name. Phoenix Group Holdings plc, which employs around 2,000 people at its Standard Life operation in Edinburgh, told the stock market that its name will change to Standard Life plc in March 2026, following sustained speculation in the City.
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