OIC Licensing team support couple to continue dream to run a hostel and campsite

With the support of the OIC’s Licensing team, a longheld dream to run a hostel and campsite business is continuing.

For Julie and Paul Allan have recently been granted a short-term lets licence by the Council which will allow them to carry on running Ayres Rock Hostel and Campsite on Sanday. The couple have accepted an offer from the Council to wait to receive their licence in October, granting them a full 3-years licence from that date.

The couple, who moved to Sanday in 2007 after falling in love with the island during a motorhoming holiday, have praised the support provided by OIC Licensing Officers in helping to get them to this point.

They would encourage others to get in touch with the Licensing team if they need any advice and assistance with the application process for the Scottish Government required licence.

The couple said: “We originally came here on holiday in a motorhome and fell in love with the beaches and freedom of island life, which was opposite of our rat race lifestyle in Bristol, where family time was scarce.

“We always idealised the idea of one day owning a campsite and hostel. However, we did not come to Sanday with the intention of buying. The fact we could move up and own our own business was the cherry on top.”

Julie and Paul run self-catering accommodation in the form of a hostel and hostel annex, campsite and camping pods.

“People from all over the world come to stay with us and love our unique location, being situated right on a bay with stunning views of the ocean.

“We have run the business for 17 years and maintained a 4-star Scottish tourism rating for 15 years, which we are proud of. We also pride ourselves on our customer service.”

When they first heard of the Scottish Government plans to introduce the short-term lets licence, the couple hadn’t realised what would be involved in meeting the criteria.

They said: “I don’t think we quite understood what it involved at first, so we weren’t worried until we saw the amount of hoops we had to jump through as a result of the legislation.

“The OIC Licensing department were able to give us contact names and departments that could assist with the process.

“It was a huge relief to get things sorted that we didn’t even realise were a problem. The cost of getting some things done on an outer isle is always more expensive than town plus the wait for trades to come out to the isles should be considered.”

The couple would advise anyone thinking of going through the application process to start sooner rather than later with the 30 September deadline approaching for existing providers.

“It’s better to start it and have more time to process any issues that may arise and once you open up the lines of communication with the Council it makes it easier to gain advice on possible routes you can take. Definitely talk to OIC Licensing department and start the ball rolling.”

The Council has the perfect opportunity for hosts looking for advice – with a second short-term lets licensing information day focusing on the application process on Tuesday 4 July.

We are asking folk to book a 20-minute slot beforehand so that no-one has to wait to see a Licensing Officer. The times available are from 9am-12noon and 1pm-4pm on Tuesday 4 July at the OIC Customer Services in Kirkwall.

To book a place call Licensing Officer, Kevan Price, on Monday 3 July on 01856 873535 ext 2246.

Kevan said: “The first information day at the end of May was a success with a number of hosts getting in contact and dropping in to seek out some additional support which we are, of course, delighted to provide.

“We want to reassure folk that we are here to help them through the process. For example, we were able to assist people with floor plans, fire safety issues, who can apply, where to source the relevant documents and the timescales involved. Whatever the query in relation to the application process, we are here to try our best to answer.

“Existing hosts have until 30 September 2023 to put forward a valid application. New hosts cannot operate until they have received a licence.”

Like all local authorities throughout Scotland, the Council has been tasked with administering the new scheme on behalf of the Scottish Government and a number of hosts have successfully applied for their new licences through OIC – and a number of others are within the system.

The Council has a dedicated web page on short-term lets licensing to try and assist folk through the application process. Please take a look at www.orkney.gov.uk/stl-licence - as it contains links to a wealth of information on the Scottish Government legislation, the application process, downloadable forms and fees.

You can contact the Short-term Lets Licensing Team via email shortletslicensing@orkney.gov.uk or by telephone to 01856873535 extensions 2246, 2232 or 2229 and leave a voicemail if officers are not available.

More information about the new licensing requirements can be found at gov.scot/shorttermlets