Home comforts

The "guerrilla" plan to boost tourism and 2014 Homecoming (your report, 28 May) are very welcome. Volcanic ash and precarious economic fortunes have cast an uncertain cloud over people's ability to holiday abroad. Yet proposed changes to our taxation system, compounded by planning and council tax discrimination, militate against encouraging our own population from making a long-term holiday commitment to Scotland.

The Holyrood and Westminster establishment see the taxation of second or holiday homes as something to be promoted, whereas in other countries weekend and holiday homes are encouraged as part of a healthy lifestyle and economic contribution to the country. Even those of modest means in Scandinavia enjoy that right.

Surely now is the time to reduce the council tax on holiday homes, radically alter the planning regime and exclude the sale of such properties from the impending capital gains tax hike?

We should positively encourage the development of holiday homes and huts in our countryside so that it becomes the norm for Scots to spend more of their money in our country and connect with our land.

GRAEME McCORMICK

Redhouse Cottage

Arden, by Loch Lomond