Businesses demand answers from council on proposed visitor levy
Concerned members of the Lochaber hospitality sector and wider business community arrived at the Nevis Centre en masse as West Highland Chamber of Commerce hosted a consultation event on the proposed Visitor Levy, supported by The Highland Council.
The event, on Friday February 28, was part of the Highland wide consultation which is due to end at the end of the month and has already received over 2,000 responses.
Council representatives Malcolm MacLeod, assistant chief executive of place, and Sheila Armstrong, chief officer for revenues and commercialisation, were on hand to take questions with Chamber of Commerce chief exectutive Fraser Coupland chaired the gathering.
Key discussions included:
● Exemptions: Exemptions are not currently proposed, but feedback has prompted discussions. If implemented, their financial impact will need assessment.
● Timeline: No fixed vote date, but council meetings in June, September, and December could address the matter. A decision is hoped for by year-end.
● Booking Platforms: Businesses raised concerns about VAT and levy collection via platforms like Airbnb. The council acknowledged these complexities, emphasising the need for further consultation.
● HMRC Tax Implications: The levy will be classified on turnover, not profit, potentially affecting businesses’ VAT thresholds. Highland Council advised businesses to engage with MP Angus MacDonald for further clarification.
● Collection Process: Businesses suggested the council collect the levy directly from visitors rather than through accommodation providers, but this is determined by Scottish Government policy.
● Impact on Educational Visits: Concerns were raised about the levy’s financial impact on educational charities working with young people. The council confirmed that exemptions could be considered.
● Regional Allocation of Funds: Businesses questioned how much of the projected £10 million revenue would be allocated to Lochaber and what improvements it would fund. The council referred to the Sustainable Tourism Strategy for guidance.
● Software Costs: Attendees challenged the cost to accommodation providers for software required for levy collection, citing figures from previous council documents:
○ Year 1: £1100
○ Year 2: £850
○ Year 3: £850
○ Year 4: £850
The council could not confirm these figures during the meeting but committed to providing further information.
Mr MacLeod told attendees that while changes to the proposal could not be made during the consultation period, he was listening to concerns and that Highland Council would "carefully consider the feedback before finalising the visitor levy proposal."
Speaking after the event Mr Coupland said: "The meeting provided the hospitality sector and wider business community with a rare opportunity to voice their concerns face-to-face regarding the Highland Council’s proposed business plan.
"For me the key takeaway from the discussion was resounding: there is little to no appetite for further financial strain on businesses. Local enterprises - many of which are already operating in a challenging economic climate—are deeply concerned about potential policy decisions that could stifle growth rather than support it.
"It is now imperative that Highland Council officials take these concerns on board and work towards rebuilding confidence with the business community in the West Highlands."
The Highland Council is running a 12-week public consultation (open until 31 March 2025), inviting businesses, residents and visitors to share their views.
For more information visit www.highland.gov.uk/info/1457/tourism_and_visitor_attractions/1142/visitor_levy or email visitorlevyconsultation@highland.gov.uk.
Sign up to our daily Newsletter
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
You may also like
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
© 2025 Wyvex Media Limited.