Families planning days out across the Highlands this summer could find their money going a little further as attractions begin passing on savings linked to a temporary reduction in VAT.
The Great British Summer Savings initiative is designed to make school holiday activities more affordable by reducing VAT from 20 per cent to five per cent on eligible children’s tickets, family admissions and children’s meals.
The scheme is running until 1 September and applies across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Businesses taking part are expected to pass the savings directly on to visitors, helping families facing continued pressure from rising household costs.
Among the Highland attractions embracing the initiative is Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge.
The popular attraction says the scheme provides an opportunity to ease costs for families while encouraging more people to visit during the busy summer period.
Ross Coulter, General Manager of Landmark Forest Adventure Park, said:
“Family days out can place a significant strain on household budgets, particularly during the summer holidays.
“We wanted to ensure that families benefit directly from the temporary VAT reduction by lowering our ticket prices and creating an additional value option through our new Summer Holiday Pass.
“This summer is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in Landmark’s history.
“We’ve recently been recognised by Which? as one of the UK’s top attractions, we’re preparing to open a major new area of the park, and we’re reducing prices to make it easier for families to visit.
“We hope as many people as possible will come and experience everything that Landmark has to offer.”
The reduced VAT rate applies to a range of attractions including cinemas, theatres, museums, zoos, wildlife parks, soft play centres, adventure parks and nature reserves.
Children’s menu meals served in restaurants are also included within the scheme.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill said the initiative was intended to support both families and businesses during the school holidays.
“Now schools are out for the summer across Scotland, we want families to make the most of their time together.
“That’s why this summer, the UK Government is cutting the cost of a family day out with the Great British Summer Savings VAT reduction, helping families across the UK make the most of the summer break.
“Businesses will also feel the benefits with increased visitor numbers and more people discovering the wonderful range of activities and attractions we have throughout Scotland and the whole of the UK.”
The government hopes the initiative will encourage more families to enjoy local attractions while helping tourism and hospitality businesses benefit from increased visitor numbers during the summer months.
