Oban Times Letters to the Editor - 23.1.25
More takeaways and fewer independent shops in Oban
I was disappointed to read that there is yet another application for a hot food takeaway to open in Oban, on George Street between John Street and Craigard Road.
That end of George Street already has many takeaways and is quickly becoming ’fast food city’. If the first thing the visitor sees as they come into Oban is a string of takeaway shops, it is unlikely to inspire them to linger.
I have no problem with a few such shops, but this is becoming completely out of proportion.
Small, independent retailers need to be encouraged and motivated to set up in George Street to revive the vibrancy and diversity which it used to offer. In addition to the appearance of ever more takeaways, there has been an increase in shops, owned by large companies based elsewhere, catering for the tourist industry. Oban needs to have more shops providing goods for local people.
F Kincaid, Oban.
Visitor Levy objection
As a business providing tourist accommodation for more than 55 years, we strongly object to the introduction of a Visitor Levy (VL).
Like other such businesses, we feel that the tourist already contributes very highly indeed to the local and national economy (and taxes including VAT, Rates, Employment Tax plus increases in the recent Budget).
For practicality, VL would become embedded in tariffs in the same way as VAT, which is already much higher than average in the rest of Europe. The high rate of VAT, coupled with VL would further disadvantage competition with other countries.
There should be no VL while VAT remains at the very high rate of 20 per cent. VL would encourage even more off-site camping. The proposal that VAT would be charged on VL itself, is surely outrageous! A Tax on a Tax? A whopping 26 per cent in taxes would then be deducted from TURNOVER, before Rates, Employment and many, many other costs. A rate of 5 per cent (in reality, 6 per cent) is much too high.
It is not uncommon to generate a profit of less than 10 per cent of turnover. Where such a business in the Highlands might well be unable to raise revenue by another 5 per cent, their profit would be dented very significantly.
A Bed and Breakfast charge would have to be separated into the value of the breakfast and any other non-accommodation charges in the package being offered, such as dinner and possibly parking. VAT would be chargeable on the whole amount, comprising approx 16.67 per cent. Visitor Levy would be 3.97 per cent of the remaining accommodation revenue, leaving 79.36 per cent to cover all business expenses such as Wages, Employment Taxes, Maintenance etc. A fixed fee per person would also create many difficulties.
While Edinburgh may also plan a levy of 5 per cent, with strong year-round trade their circumstances bear little resemblance to the Highlands, with a highly seasonal trading pattern on far fringes of the country.
E. A. Cameron, Glen Nevis Holidays Ltd.
Call for transparency
The recent revelation about an Aberdeen City Council employee embezzling £1.1 million over a staggering 17 years is a wake-up call for all Scottish councils. This scandal must serve as a catalyst for crucial reform in our public institutions.
As Winston Churchill once said, “The price of greatness is responsibility.” Council administrations must take full responsibility for safeguarding public funds.
As we face mounting challenges, including funding constraints and service demands, rigorous financial controls should be a priority.
This incident should prompt a full review of existing protocols and the implementation of best practices across all councils to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Let us stand united in demanding greater accountability from our elected officials. By taking immediate and meaningful action, we can restore public confidence and ensure that our councils operate transparently for the benefit of all citizens.
Alastair Majury, Dunblane.
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Childcare and Education Worker - ARB15733 - Argyll and Bute Council
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Latest News
JOBS
Childcare and Education Worker - ARB15733 - Argyll and Bute Council
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