New hotel fire safety regulations for historic building conversions spark debate over sprinkler requirements across the wider hospitality sector
The introduction of mandatory sprinkler systems in historic hotel conversions across Scotland has prompted fresh calls for wider hotel fire safety reforms, with industry figures questioning why the new requirements do not extend to all hotels.
The regulations, which came into force on April 6, require sprinkler systems to be installed in traditional buildings converted for hotel use. The move follows a series of fatal hotel fires and represents one of the most significant changes to hotel fire safety requirements in Scotland in recent years.
However, fire safety advocates argue the legislation has also highlighted a broader issue: while some converted historic hotels must now install sprinklers, there remains no general requirement for sprinkler systems in many modern, purpose-built hotels.
The changes stem from recommendations made following the fatal fire at Cameron House Hotel on Loch Lomond in 2017, which claimed two lives and prompted a major review of hotel fire safety standards. The tragedy exposed weaknesses in fire protection arrangements and led to calls for stronger suppression measures in buildings used to accommodate sleeping guests.
While the new rules have been welcomed as a positive step, attention has now turned to evidence suggesting fire risks are not confined to historic buildings.
Analysis commissioned by the Scottish Government as part of its review of sprinkler requirements found that hotels built using non-traditional construction methods experienced a higher frequency of fire incidents and greater levels of physical fire damage than traditional converted properties during the period studied.
The findings have prompted questions over whether future fire safety reforms should consider a wider range of hotel types rather than focusing solely on historic conversions.
The debate comes against a backdrop of continuing concern over hotel fire incidents across Great Britain. More than 400 hotel fires are recorded annually, according to industry figures, equating to more than one fire every day across a hotel stock of around 9,500 properties.
Advocates of wider sprinkler adoption argue that while the latest regulations address a specific area of risk, they do not resolve concerns about fire protection standards across the wider hospitality sector.
The issue has remained in the spotlight following the fatal fire at the New County Hotel in Perth in 2023, which claimed three lives and renewed scrutiny of fire safety arrangements in hotels.
Industry campaigners say Scotland has taken an important step by introducing mandatory sprinklers for historic hotel conversions, but believe the evidence supporting sprinkler protection should continue to be examined across all forms of hotel accommodation.
As the new regulations begin to take effect, attention is likely to focus on whether policymakers are prepared to consider further reforms aimed at expanding sprinkler requirements beyond traditional buildings.
The debate is expected to continue as fire safety professionals, hotel operators and government officials assess the impact of the new rules and the broader implications for guest safety across Scotland’s hospitality sector.