Date: Wednesday 4th November 2026

Time: 10.00 am – 3.00 pm

Location: Highland Cinema, Fort William

View the full programme

Tickets:

• ASSC Members – Two free tickets per membership (use your exclusive member promo code)
• Non-Members & Additional Tickets – £25 + booking fee

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The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) is heading to Fort William for our final Regional Gathering of the year, bringing together self-catering operators, tourism businesses, industry partners and stakeholders from across the Highlands and beyond for a day of insight, discussion, connection and practical takeaways.

“Meeting the Challenges, Seizing the Opportunities” will look at both sides of the picture for Scotland’s self-catering sector: navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape while also looking ahead with confidence at the opportunities for our businesses, communities and Scotland’s wider visitor economy.

From licensing, planning control areas, the visitor levy and non-domestic rates to market data, collaboration and the wider value tourism brings to Scotland’s communities, we’ll bring together expert voices and different perspectives to explore what matters now – and what comes next.

Why this matters now

There is no shortage of change for Scotland’s self-catering sector. Regulation continues to evolve, costs remain challenging, and operators are having to adapt to an increasingly complex business environment.

But there is also much to be optimistic about.

Tourism makes an important contribution to communities and local economies across Scotland, supporting businesses, jobs and services while connecting visitors with the people, places and experiences that make Scotland distinctive. Self-catering has an important part to play in that story.

Our Fort William Gathering is an opportunity to come together, get up to speed on the issues that matter, share ideas and experience, and look ahead at how we can collectively meet the challenges, seize the opportunities and tell a more positive story about the value of tourism.

What to expect

State of the Nation – The latest from ASSC Chief Executive Fiona Campbell MBE on the issues shaping our sector

Regulation unpacked – Expert discussion on licensing, planning control areas, the visitor levy, non-domestic rates and what they mean for operators

ASSC membership update – What’s new, the benefits available to you and what we’re developing next

Data, trends and insights – Understand what the latest data is telling us about demand, performance and the market

Changing the narrative – Explore how we collectively tell a more positive story about tourism, demonstrate its contribution to thriving communities and local economies, and showcase what makes Scotland distinctive

Your questions answered – Opportunities to put your questions directly to our speakers and panellists

Networking and exhibitors – Meet fellow operators, make new connections and spend time with our industry partners and exhibitors

Featured sessions

• State of the Nation: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Fiona Campbell and guests
• A Highland Perspective: Angus MacDonald OBE MP
• From Data to Decisions: Understanding Today’s Market: Key Data
• Changing the Narrative: Scotland’s Story, Our Shared Opportunity: Panel Discussion

Why attend

• Stay informed on the regulatory and policy changes affecting your business
• Hear directly from experts and put your questions to our panels
• Understand the latest market data and what it means for your business
• Explore the opportunities for Scotland, its communities and self-catering
• Make connections with operators, partners and tourism colleagues from across the Highlands and beyond
• Help change the narrative by being part of a positive conversation about the value tourism brings to Scotland
• Be part of the conversation about what comes next for our sector

Our Chosen Community Charity: Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team (LMRT)

Based in Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team is an entirely volunteer-led team providing vital rescue services across Lochaber and beyond.

Responding to more than 150 call-outs each year, their dedicated volunteers are ready 24/7, 365 days a year, whatever the weather, to help those in need in the mountains. We are proud to support the team as our charity partner for the Fort William Regional Gathering and help raise awareness of the incredible work they do to keep people safe.

Event Pricing

• ASSC Members: Two FREE tickets as part of your member benefits. Please log in to find the member promo code here
• Valued Partners: Enjoy complimentary access as part of your partnership benefits. Please log in to find the member promo code here.
• Join the ASSC Offer: Become an ASSC member after attending this event and get £25 off your first year’s membership fee (valid for up to 10 days after the event). You can explore membership categories and join here.

Additional Information

• Refunds available up to 7 days before the event (Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable).
• Two tickets free per membership
• If booking more than one ticket, please add each ticket holder’s name as name badges will be printed.
• Your name and company name may be shared with our event partners, where relevant to the event.
• Photos will be taken at this event for marketing purposes.

We look forward to welcoming you in Fort William, to collaborate, connect, and thrive together.