Airbnb accommodation in excess of £500: FOI release

Information requested

In relation to the September 2021 transparency data release on credit card payments over £500, there is an entry of more than £500 for Airbnb accomodation. Can you please provide any further information about the purpose of the purchase, location, Airbnb listing and justification?

Response

The answer to your question is. As part of our annual cycle of work we had to carry out inspections on sheep flocks in Shetland. These inspections are carried out to confirm animals are correctly identified and recorded to meet traceability regulations to help control animal diseases and protect public health. We were short of trained staff in Shetland to carry out this work so a member of staff from the Thurso office went to Shetland to complete some of the selected inspections.

The member of staff stayed in the 1 bedroom flat for 10 nights at a total cost of £557.81. The property is listed under the name Kells, Hamnavoe, Burra, Shetland.

The justification for using this type of accomodation on this occasion was to allow the inspector to have access to laundry, washing and drying facilities for their protective clothing. In addition both Hotel and Bed and Breakfast accomodation were more difficult to obtain at the time due to some closures and increased demand for those still operating.

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