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Inverness
Thursday, February 13, 2025

Have Your Say on The Highland Visitor Levy Proposal

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Highland residents and business owners are being urged to take part in a crucial consultation on the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme, with a series of engagement events planned across the region.

The Highland Council has set up a variety of in-person and online sessions to ensure as many voices as possible are heard before a decision is made.

Council Convener, Councillor Bill Lobban, stressed the importance of broad participation, saying:

“We are getting feedback from businesses in the tourism sector, but we also need to hear from the wider public.

“This consultation must be as inclusive as possible, ensuring that all voices are heard.”

A range of drop-in events will take place at libraries and community centres, offering an informal setting where people can speak directly with council staff about the levy and ask questions.

Public access computers will also be available for those who wish to complete the online consultation form on-site.

Library Drop-In Sessions

  • Nairn Library – 7 February 2025, 10:30-12:30
  • Thurso Library – 18 February 2025, 14:00-19:30 (part of a place-based planning event)
  • Fortrose Community Library – 19 February 2025, 10:00-12:00
  • Fort William Library – 26 February 2025, 11:00-13:00
  • Ullapool Community Library – 27 February 2025, 11:00-13:00
  • Brora Library – 28 February 2025, 10:30-12:30

Community Drop-In Events

  • Inverness Archive Centre – 11 February 2025, 13:00-15:00
  • Wick (Pulteney Centre) – 12 February 2025, 10:30-15:30 (part of a place-based planning event)
  • Kingussie Courthouse – 13 February 2025, 13:30-15:00
  • Kyle of Lochalsh Service Point – 20 February 2025, 11:00-13:00

These drop-in sessions provide a relaxed environment for residents to chat with council representatives and share their views on the proposal.

Online Webinars

For those unable to attend in person, two online webinars have been scheduled, where council staff will present an overview of the proposal before opening the floor for questions.

  • 25 February 2025 – 16:00-17:00
  • 13 March 2025 – 11:00-12:00

A separate webinar will be held specifically for Community Council members, and the council will also be engaging with local Chambers of Commerce through a series of business events.

Councillor Lobban emphasised that accessibility is a priority:

“We have set up sessions in different formats at different times of the day to make it as easy as possible for people to participate.

“Our website also has FAQs to help people understand the proposal before filling in the online consultation document.”

The consultation runs until 31 March 2025, and responses can be submitted online, by phone, or via email.

A dedicated phoneline (01349 781020) is available for requesting a paper copy, and any queries can be directed to visitorlevyconsultation@highland.gov.uk.

The council is also encouraging people to check the Visitor Levy website regularly for updates, as additional venues and registration links for online events will be announced in due course.

This is a significant opportunity for Highland residents to shape a policy that could impact the region’s tourism industry for years to come.

Whether you’re a business owner, a local resident, or a visitor with a vested interest in the area, now is the time to have your say.

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