Highland Council Approves Consultation on Proposed Visitor Levy

The Highland Council voted on August 25 to proceed with a 12-week public consultation on a proposed visitor levy. The draft policy suggests a tiered fixed-rate charge of £5 per night for hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, and short-term lets, and £2 per night for hostels and campsites. The levy would apply for nine months of the year, excluding December, January, and February, with the potential to generate £9 million annually for tourism infrastructure and local services.

The decision faced significant opposition from business leaders and political opponents. The Highland Hotel Association and various Chambers of Commerce criticized the council for moving to the consultation stage before publishing a full economic impact assessment. Conservative group leader Ruraidh Stewart warned the tax could result in 71,500 fewer overnight stays and a £24.4 million annual loss in visitor spending. During the meeting, councillors defeated amendments from the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives that sought to exempt Highland residents and demand more economic evidence.

Council convener Bill Lobban defended the move, stating that an external economic impact assessment will be available during the consultation period. Council leader Raymond Bremner added that the draft remains open to change. If the scheme is approved in December 2026, it will undergo an 18-month implementation period.