Key Takeaways
- Join Bookster and the ASSC in Dumfries for an essential update on Scottish legislation
- The theme is 'Shaping our shared story - The importance of storytelling in the self-catering sector'
- Visit the Bookster stand to enter our competition.
We’re excited to share that the Bookster team will be attending the ASSC Regional Gathering in Dumfries on Wednesday 18 March 2026, the first major in‑person event of the year for Scotland’s self‑catering community.
This is where hosts, agencies and partners come together to hear clear updates on legislation, share challenges, and explore practical solutions for running a resilient holiday rental business in Scotland.
This year’s theme, 'Shaping Our Shared Story - The Importance of Storytelling in the Self-Catering Sector' resonates deeply with us.
Why the ASSC Regional Gathering in Dumfries matters for Scottish hosts
'Shaping Our Shared Story - The Importance of Storytelling in the Self-Catering Sector'.
Get your ticket for the Association of Scotland’s Self‑Caterers (ASSC) Regional Gathering in Dumfries, which combines a state‑of‑the‑sector update on Scottish self‑catering with a deep dive into how storytelling and responsible tourism can shape the future of our industry. (Available via the ASSC)
This year’s theme, 'Shaping Our Shared Story - The Importance of Storytelling in the Self-Catering Sector', resonates deeply with us.
Hosted by the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), the event brings together operators, industry professionals, and policy experts to explore how responsible tourism and resilience can power the future of Scottish self-catering.
Get clarity on legislation, rates and the future of self‑catering
Over the past few years, Scottish self‑catering businesses have faced big changes in areas such as licensing, planning, non‑domestic rates and wider tourism policy.
It can be hard to keep up from behind a laptop.
The ASSC Regional Gathering in Dumfries is your chance to hear directly from the people working on these issues every day, ask questions in the room and understand what the latest decisions really mean for your business.
You’ll also hear how other hosts across Scotland are adapting, from small rural cottages to city apartments, and take away ideas you can apply to your own holiday lets.
Connect with services to help your short let business grow
Visitors to the event can connect with Kelly Odor (Marketing Director) and Jonny Brannen (Account Manager) at the Bookster stand. We’ll be showcasing how our Marketing Software with our in-house property management software, book direct tools and integrations help holiday rental businesses save time, grow direct bookings and stay on top of change.
Whether you’re managing a single cottage or a multi‑property portfolio, we’re happy to chat about your setup and share practical ideas from working with self‑caterers across Scotland and beyond.
Watch Bookster in Panel Discussion 1 - Shaping Our Shared Story – The Importance of Storytelling.
The first panel brings together policy insight, marketing expertise and real self-catering experience to explore how storytelling can help reshape perceptions of Scotland’s self-catering sector.
🎤 Hosted by Fiona MacConnacher, Head of Public Affairs UK & Ireland, Booking.com
Joined by:
🔹 Casey Rust, Director of Marketing, The Royal Yacht Britannia & Fingal
🔹 Kelly Odor, Marketing Director, Bookster
🔹 Melinda Kennedy, Holiday Cottage Owner, Orroland Holiday Cottages
Together, we’ll discuss how authentic, experience-led storytelling can position self-catering as a positive, responsible and essential part of Scotland’s tourism landscape, with a Q&A at the end.
For hosts and agencies, this session is a chance to see how marketing strategy, guest experience and advocacy fit together – and how you can use your own story to strengthen trust with guests, communities and policymakers.
Visit our stand and win!
We’ll also be running a special competition during the event - stop by our stand for a chance to win.
It’s our way of saying thank you for joining the conversation about improving the self-catering industry through collaboration and relationships.
The ASSC Regional Gathering promises thought‑provoking discussions, practical insights and meaningful networking with people who care about the future of Scotland’s self‑catering sector as much as you do.
If you’re attending, come and say hello to Kelly and Jonny on the Bookster stand.
We’d love to hear about your business, your challenges with legislation and bookings, and your ideas for a stronger future in self‑catering – and they’ll be happy to share how Bookster can support you with software, training and sector insight.
Grab your ticket, be in the room for the key updates, and come by the stand to say hi and enter our competition.
