South Ayrshire Council is reminding people that they must apply for a licence if they want to let their home during The 152nd Open at Royal Troon.
The reminder comes as preparatory works and implementation of necessary infrastructure to stage the Championship, including grandstands, continues ahead of its playing from 14-21 July this year.
Following the implementation last year of Scottish legislation that requires short-term lets to be licenced, residents of Troon and beyond must apply for a short-term let licence if they wish to let their home during events such as The Open.
Homeowners who only wish to rent their property for the short duration of The Open can apply for a special temporary licence introduced by South Ayrshire Council to support the delivery of major events this summer.
The deadline to apply for a temporary short-term let licence that will cover the period of The Open is Friday 31 May.
Councillor Martin Kilbride, Buildings, Housing and Environment Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “The Open at Royal Troon will be one of the first major events where this legislation applies.
“We are reminding residents that anyone letting their home, must have the appropriate licence in place before they can take bookings or receive guests.
“To date, we have received a total of 165 temporary short-term let applications and I would expect more people to apply over the next few weeks.”
Councillor Alec Clark, Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs Portfolio Holder said: “The Open is a fantastic spectacle and will showcase Troon and South Ayrshire to millions of people across the world.
“We want to ensure that residents looking to let their property to spectators and golfers during the Championship, have the required licence, so our advice is not to wait until the last minute to apply.”
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said: “For one week this year the sporting world’s eyes will be fixed squarely on the excitement and drama of The Open as the world’s best men’s golfers compete at Royal Troon. The Championship typically generates around £200 million in economic value to the regions in which it is staged and we would like to thank South Ayrshire Council for its support in helping people to adjust to the challenge of the new legislation and the requirements it entails as we prepare to host The Open in July. We are looking forward to returning to the famous Ayrshire links and know that visiting fans will enjoy the sweeping scenery and fantastic local hospitality that the area is renowned for.”
For more information about the temporary licence short-term let application process, including how to apply, visit https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/article/40559/Short-Term-Let-Licensing-Scheme-South-Ayrshire
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