A new proposal to introduce a cruise ship levy across Scotland has won the backing of The Highland Council, which sees it as a much-needed tool to balance the benefits and burdens of the growing tourism industry.
At a meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, councillors voiced firm support for the Scottish Government’s plan to hand local authorities the power to apply a discretionary levy on cruise ships entering their ports.
Councillor Ken Gowans, who chairs the committee, described the proposal as a step towards fairness and sustainability.
He said the levy would not cost Highland taxpayers a penny, yet would allow communities to reinvest in essential infrastructure, preserve local services and strengthen the region’s status as a world-class destination.
The Highland Council believes the money raised could go a long way in addressing the mounting pressures that come with rising visitor numbers, especially in fragile areas where services and roads are already stretched.
In 2023, Highland ports welcomed close to 300,000 cruise passengers.
That figure continues to grow, with some days seeing almost 10,000 tourists disembark at a single port.
The cruise sector is expanding three times faster than the rest of the tourism industry and the scale of the increase has put considerable strain on roads, toilets, bins, signage and heritage sites across the region.
Sixteen Highland harbours currently receive cruise ships, from the bustling Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon to the more modest and scenic quaysides of Shieldaig.
A levy, based on passenger numbers, would see cruise operators collect the charge from travellers before passing it on to local authorities.
Councillors argued that the funds should stay within the communities that welcome the ships, giving them the means to invest directly in facilities and improve the visitor experience.
This mirrors what is already happening in parts of Europe, where ports in Amsterdam, Dubrovnik and Venice charge passengers between €3 and €14.
The Scottish Government consultation has also raised the idea of giving island councils the option to charge a landing fee for all visitors, no matter how they arrive.
But Highland Council is urging Ministers to go further and give every local authority the power to introduce a general Point of Entry levy, which would include those arriving by ferry, cruise ship or motorhome.
In tandem with their formal consultation response, the Council is now working on a wider proposal to address the impact of campervans and motorhomes through similar charging powers.
Public support appears to be on their side.
A 2019 consultation found strong backing for a visitor levy, with almost 70 percent of people in favour of including cruise ship passengers in any future scheme.
The Scottish Government consultation on the cruise ship levy closes on 30 May 2025.
