People across Argyll and Bute are being invited to have their say on revised proposals for a visitor levy that could generate millions of pounds for investment in tourism, local infrastructure and community projects.
Argyll and Bute Council has opened a public consultation on a new draft visitor levy scheme, with residents, businesses and visitors able to give their views until 5 October 2026.
The latest proposals differ from those considered last year and have been developed with input from accommodation providers and representatives from the wider visitor economy following changes to national legislation.
The council believes a visitor levy could provide a significant new source of funding to help maintain the area’s appeal as a visitor destination while addressing the pressures tourism can place on local services and infrastructure.
The consultation asks for views on whether a visitor levy should be introduced, how much it should be set at, what exemptions should apply and how any income generated should be spent.
If introduced, the council proposes moving away from a percentage based charge in favour of a flat rate per room, per night, following changes made through the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2026.
To find out more and get involved please click here
The revised draft scheme also proposes two additional local exemptions alongside those already set nationally, covering island residents travelling to mainland Argyll and Bute for healthcare appointments, including accompanying registered carers where appropriate, and young people attending outdoor education centres on residential trips.
Money raised through the levy could be invested in a wide range of projects including public toilets, car parks, waste facilities, visitor signage, transport links, walking paths, cultural events, heritage projects, environmental improvements, electric vehicle charging points, tourism business support, skills programmes and community led initiatives.
The council report also highlights the administrative costs involved in operating a visitor levy and the potential impact on accommodation providers responsible for collecting the charge.
Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said:
“Every area of life wants more investment than is available.
“A visitor levy could bring significant income to support the local visitor economy.
“As many visitor services are used also by residents, this could benefit both visitors and residents.
“So we have to consider a levy as a rare investment option for Argyll and Bute.
“I would encourage everyone to find out about this new draft visitor levy scheme and give their views.”
The consultation runs from Monday 13 July until Monday 5 October, with the council encouraging anyone with an interest in the future of tourism and local communities to take part before any final decisions are made.
