Highland Council takes further steps towards introducing tourist tax with residents asked how to spend it

Highland Council has taken further steps towards introducing a tourist tax, with a public consultation to be held on how the money should be spent.

The picturesque region of Scotland is visited by more than six million people per year to hotspots such as the NC500, Glen Coe and the Isle of Skye.

Highland Council conducted a consultation in 2019 about introducing a visitor levy which would see hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets introduce an additional charge to visitors.

Legislation was passed at Holyrood earlier this year to give powers to councils to introduce tourist tax, with the likes of Glasgow and Edinburgh considering the move.

Should the levy be introduced, Highland Council said an 18-month implementation period would begin before it officially launches.

Economy and Infrastructure Committee chair, councillor Ken Gowans said: “Tourism is one of our most important sectors and the levy would form an essential part of how we sustain, maintain and develop the services and infrastructure which the sector relies on.

“The upcoming consultation will give everyone the opportunity to put forward their views on how a levy scheme should operate and what the proceeds should be spent on.

“We recognise that this consultation will only be one stage in the process, and we will be building up on ongoing opportunities for representatives from across the region to feed in and shape how the levy can be delivered.”

A statement confirmed: “The Highland Council is expecting to launch its three-month consultation during the last quarter of 2024.

“This will be widely promoted, and we will be encouraging anyone who has an interest to submit their comments via an online portal.”