Consultants Urban Foresight will be in the Outer Hebrides to lead this public session and meet with local stakeholders, to discuss any concerns and opportunities for any such scheme. 

The in-person public engagement session will take place on 17 March in Balivanich Hall and on 19 March in Stornoway Town Hall. Online public webinars will be held on 19 March and 20 March The public engagement session is open to anyone who wants to share their views on the visitor levy.

Details of Engagement Sessions and links to event registration:
17 March, Balivanich Hall, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
19 March, Stornoway Town Hall, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
19 March, Online, 6:30pm
20 March, Online, 6:30pm (Barra Only)

Urban Foresight has also produced a survey to help gather the views of the public.  

Background

On 20 September 2024, the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 gave discretionary powers to Councils to introduce a levy on overnight stays, raising income to provide facilities and services for visitors. 

Councils are not obliged to implement such a levy but the feasibility of a visitor levy scheme is currently being considered in Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles. Any scheme, if implemented, would aim to improve services and facilities for local visitors and reduce pressures on infrastructure. 

Previous Press Releases on this Topic

Island Authorities Seek Bids for Visitor Levy Scheme Feasibility Contract
Isles Authorities Award Visitor Levy Scheme Feasibility Contract