A survey has been launched which allows members of the public to submit data on short-term lets operating in their communities.
The launch comes after concerns were raised some short-term let operators were acting irresponsibly at the onset of the pandemic by encouraging people to visit places like the East Neuk of Fife for the duration of the lockdown.
The data gathered through the survey will be used to plot the locations of short-term lets on an interactive map and will help policy makers develop a better understanding of the scale of the problem in hotspots.
Responses can be submitted by visiting homesfirst.scot/fife.
Mr Ruskell said: “It is completely understandable that people would want to come and visit places like the idyllic East Neuk and no-one would seek to deter them.
“However, the unchecked rise of short-term lets and the number of second homes risks chipping away at the area and ultimately turning it into a resort not a community.
“This survey will allow any member of the public to report a short term let operating in their area and an interactive map will be available online.
“After the coronavirus pandemic this industry can no longer be allowed to operate without oversight and I hope this is the first step towards introducing some much need regulation to protect communities in Fife.”
The creation of the survey comes amid calls for stricter sanctions to be enforced on holiday home companies still offering vacation properties in the region despite the current coronavirus lockdown.
Holiday let firm AirBnB confirmed earlier this month that it would stop advertising lets in response to concerns about the number of properties available in spite of the government’s warning against non-essential journeys.
The issue was also thrown into sharp focus when Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood resigned after it was discovered she had twice visited her second home in Fife, ignoring her own public advice.
