Oban Times Letters to the Editor - 16.1.25

Visitor levy risks damaging rural communities and firms

The visitor levy, or "tourist tax", is a damaging policy that threatens the very lifeblood of our local economy. 
Tourism is not just a key industry in areas such as Islay; it is the backbone of countless small businesses, jobs and community initiatives.

Adding additional costs to visitors risks driving them away to more affordable destinations. 
At a time when many are already feeling the pinch from rising costs, we should be doing everything possible to attract visitors – not deter them. 

Instead of imposing further burdens, the focus should be on improving infrastructure, ferry services and amenities to ensure a welcoming and positive experience for all who visit. 

Tourism doesn’t just benefit businesses; it supports our schools, shops and services by keeping communities vibrant. The Scottish Executive must rethink this policy. The long-term impact of a visitor levy could be devastating for rural and island economies. Let’s champion policies that support growth, not stifle it.
Councillor Alastair Redman.

Cheapest electricity in Europe

A few weeks ago on the Laura Kuenssberg BBC Sunday show, Octopus Energy CEO Greg Jackson said Scotland could have free electricity at times if Ofgem changed its regulations and introduced zonal pricing.

Scots are getting the “raw end of the deal” in the UK at the moment when standing charges on our electricity bills are compared – we unfairly pay much more for our electricity than those living in the south. There is a sense of outrage over not reaping the benefits in price of being close to renewable generation despite us generating it in our areas. 

Meanwhile, GB Energy has been established by Westminster and will “own, manage and operate clean power projects across the UK,” according to the Government. 

The Chairman, Juergen Maier, was asked by MPs when the cost of consumer bills would be coming down, as promised. He answered that pricing is not within the scope of GB Energy. 

This shows that the policy on pricing is a political decision, always made by Westminster.  Of course it is. 
In a recent poll, the vast majority of Scots  (81 per cent) believe that the Scottish Government should own part of any renewable energy developments in Scotland.    

         
Full control of Scotland’s energy will deliver huge and immediate benefits for all of us but can only come with Scotland’s independence.
Tricia Grey,  Lochgilphead.