Scotland’s dramatic landscapes and rich history have long captivated visitors from not just here in the UK, but around the world.
The tourism sector is one of the key cornerstones of our economy, so it is no surprise that councils want to make the visitor experience the very best it can be.
And now local authorities are one step closer to making that a reality, after MSPs voted to introduce a so-called ‘tourist tax’ which will allow councils to generate extra cash to pay for measures aimed at attracting more holidaymakers to Scotland.
I’ve touched on this before, but the concept behind the levy is simple: councils will be able to add a small fee to overnight accommodation bookings in order to raise extra funds for services that visitors rely on, such as public toilets and transportation.
Manchester introduced a similar charge last year, which at £1 extra per room per night has managed to raise around £2.8 million in extra capital in its first year.
It’s estimated that there were around 12.6 million overnight trips to Scotland by people visiting from the UK alone last year, with around £3.2 billion spent by British residents during that time.
So, with those figures in mind, it’s easy to assume that the economic benefits a tourist tax could bring to the country could have the potential to be astronomical.
Unfortunately, however, that is not the view shared by all those working within the tourism sector, who worry the introduction of the tax may put people off visiting altogether.
I wouldn’t say it is particularly welcoming to hear that the country you are planning on visiting will be slapping a tax on your stay, regardless of how big or small the charge may be.
In fact, Olly Hughes – who took over the Ben Cruachan guesthouse in Edinburgh five years ago – went as far as telling reporters for the BBC that the visitor levy could act as a “nail in the coffin” for many businesses, particularly those still recovering from the covid pandemic and increased running costs.
What’s more, Stacey Dingwall from the Federation of Small Business Scotland quite rightly pointed out that the new tax measures will also incur additional admin costs and responsibilities for operators – something which I am confident will not be a welcome addition to those currently trying to stay afloat.
I think the most important factor will be ensuring whatever capital is raised is properly reinvested within each local economy.
And while it’s all fair and good telling businesses that the extra cash will be spent making our towns and cities even more appealing, I’m particularly interested to hear who will actually be responsible for upholding that end of the bargain.
What’s more, I’m keen to hear if the business owners who are helping to generate this extra income will get the opportunity to have a say on which services will benefit from the funds.
The onus will be on councils and the Scottish Government to ensure everyone’s voices are heard, so open and inclusive discussions between traders and elected representatives will be crucial to ensure this new levy will benefit not just visitors, but our economy as a whole.
The tax isn’t likely to be introduced in Scotland for at least a few years, so it will be interesting to see what steps are taken in that time to ensure it can be properly executed.
Unsurprisingly, Edinburgh has already called dibs on being the first city in the country to introduce the scheme, with Highland Council throwing their hat in the ring to bring it into force as a quick second.
And while I do honestly think it will be an incredibly valuable tool in generating additional revenue for services, there are several key factors that councils and the Scottish Government will have to consider to ensure the delivery of this is as successful as it has the potential to be.
Red squirrel rescue benefits nature – and business
The endangered red squirrel is a significant draw for tourism in Scotland. 75 per cent of the UK’s red squirrel population is thought to be located in Scotland, with the native UK species being at risk of extinction in other parts of the British Isles.
The introduction of the invasive non-native grey squirrel from North America is the main reason behind the sharp decline in reds since the 19th Century.
Red squirrels enhance Scotland’s natural allure but also provide essential support to rural economies through eco-tourism. Visitors, especially wildlife enthusiasts, flock to Scottish woodlands to catch a glimpse of these rare creatures, with tourism revenue benefiting local communities. This economic boost comes from spending on accommodation, guided tours and other related services like hospitality.
They’re a boost for the charitable and third sector too. Tree for Life, a rewilding charity, is dedicated to preserving Scotland’s red squirrels. It’s efforts focus on habitat restoration and reforestation, crucial for the species’ survival. The charity plants native trees in the Highlands, creating new woodland areas to ensure red squirrels have adequate habitat to thrive.
The charity also relocates red squirrels to areas where they have declined or disappeared. It recently released six red squirrels into the wild on Scotland’s west coast.
It’s great to see initiatives like this which not only aim to stabilise and increase the red squirrel population but also enhance the biodiversity and ecological health of Scotland’s forests, benefiting wildlife, people and the businesses which rely on Scotland’s eco-tourism credentials.
It Made Me Laugh
Seagull smackdown takes over UK internet
I had to laugh at quick-witted social media users who have been competing to see which UK town has the ‘hardest’ seagulls or, ‘XL Gullies’.
Anecdotally it appears that Aberdeen could be a top contender. Residents describe the bolshy birds as ‘psychotic’ and ‘hyper aggressive’ with a penchant for shoplifting and pinching butteries.
Other Reddit users were keen to share their experiences with the ‘XL Gullies’, with one user in Liverpool claiming a ‘top level boss’ seagull causes chaos in the city.
While it’s easy to laugh at marauding seagulls snatching food, there is a serious side to the problem as some councils in coastal areas are issuing survival guides. Here’s hoping it gets sorted soon.
It Made Me Weep
Titanic builder Harland & Wolff faces collapse
Scotland’s shipbuilding heritage is celebrated the world over, but the firm Harland & Wolff says it could sink if it doesn’t receive a UK government-backed bale out.
Best known for building the Titanic, it will be forced to close its Scottish operations to refocus resources on existing Royal Navy contracts elsewhere.
The company is understood to have told workers that in a “worst case scenario” the Arnish and Methil facilities will shut, putting 500 jobs across Lewis and Fife at risk.
The yard has asked for a £200m support package which now faces legal setbacks that the funding lifeline could breach state aid rules. Once the general election is over the next government must prioritise keeping ship building afloat in Scotland.
