The Scottish Government has welcomed the responses received to a consultation on short-term lets, which according to independent analysis is said to have found wide support for regulation.

More than 1,000 responses from communities, landlords and businesses raised a number of concerns about the effects of short-term lets, including anti-social behaviour, safety fears and the impact on the housing market.

The government is considering the analysis of responses to the consultation, which also highlighted the economic benefits brought by short-term lets, and will use the evidence to inform policy proposals to be announced later this year.

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There is also an understanding that issues vary across the country, with different problems in most rural settings compared to places like Edinburgh, where there is the highest concentration of short-term lets.

These findings are confirmed by the conclusions of independent research on the impact of short-term lets on communities, also published today.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: "Short-term lets can offer people a flexible and cheaper travel option, and have contributed positively to Scotland’s tourism industry and local economies across the country.

"However, we know that in certain areas, particularly tourist hot spots, high numbers of short-term lets are causing problems and often making it harder for people to find homes to live in.

"The responses to our consultation confirm support for new controls over short-term letting of residential properties in these problem areas.

"We will carefully consider the evidence before setting out our proposals later this year. In the meantime we will continue to work with local authorities to support them to balance the unique needs of their communities with wider economic and tourism interests."

(MH/CM)