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Package holidaymakers in Scotland would still have financial protection in one form or another in an independent Scotland, according to campaigners on both sides of the referendum debate.
At a seminar in Glasgow organised by the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA), travel industry leaders quizzed politicians and activists on the potential impact of independence.
There had been concern in some quarters that a break-up of the UK would mean Atol protection would be suspended north of the border.
Blair Jenkins, chief executive of Yes Scotland, said protection would be dependent on mutually beneficial and pragmatic decisions made during an 18-month period to prepare for full independence.
“Scotland would probably end up with its own regulatory body, but there is no reason to think a protection scheme would not be in place at any point,” he said.
But James Kelly, the MSP for Glasgow’s Rutherglen constituency and a vocal member of the Better Together campaign, said remaining part of a UK-wide regulatory body would provide more stability for consumers and agencies.
He added: “In an independent Scotland you would be operating in a much smaller pool, so could you actually provide adequate protection?”
Following the debate, Kevin Thom, managing director of Aberdeen‑based QA Travel Management, said he was confident protection would continue in one form or other.
He said: “Whether it’s a new model, a copy of the existing model or even if it’s outsourced to the CAA down south, it seems obvious protection will be there at all times.”