Highland Council is taking its proposed Visitor Levy consultation into communities across the region, with a series of public meetings planned throughout November as debate continues over the future of tourism taxation.

Residents, accommodation providers, local businesses and community organisations will have opportunities to discuss the proposals directly with council representatives before the statutory consultation closes on 30 November.

Sessions are planned for Portree, Fort William, Inverness, Nairn, Aviemore, Lairg and Wick, adding to the online webinars already held during the consultation.

The meetings will explain how the proposed levy could operate, the legislation governing its introduction and how any money raised might be invested in local facilities and services.

They will also allow people to raise questions and better understand the options being considered before submitting their responses.

The consultation has attracted considerable attention from across the Highlands, where tourism supports thousands of jobs but also places demands on roads, infrastructure and public services.

Supporters of a Visitor Levy see an opportunity to generate additional funding for communities and visitor facilities, while businesses have raised concerns about its potential effect on costs and competitiveness.

The latest announcement comes as an independent economic impact assessment commissioned to examine the proposed scheme remains unfinished, with its completion expected in November.

That leaves an important question about how much time businesses and residents will have to consider the findings before the consultation closes.

Highland Council Convener Bill Lobban said:

“We know there is significant public interest in the proposed Visitor Levy consultation and have been encouraged by the level of public engagement in the process to date.

“However, with just over a month remaining until the consultation closes, we want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to access information, ask questions and provide feedback.

“At this time of year, many tourism and business organisations are holding their annual meetings and events.

“Therefore, it makes sense to work alongside Community Councils, Business Forums and tourism bodies such as Visit Inverness Loch Ness, Nairn BID and the Cairngorms Business Partnership to meet people and hear their views.

“I would like to reiterate that no decision has been made on whether a Visitor Levy will be introduced in Highland.

“The purpose of this consultation is to gather views from residents, businesses, visitors and stakeholders to help inform a future report to The Highland Council, when Members will decide whether to introduce a Visitor Levy scheme.

“We encourage anyone with an interest in the proposal to review all of the information available, which explains the requirements of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, the parameters in which a scheme could operate and the framework governing how any revenue generated could be invested.

“Should a Visitor Levy be introduced in the future, legislation requires that any net proceeds are used to support the scheme’s objectives and invested in facilities and services that benefit both visitors and local communities.

“At this stage, however, our focus is on listening and gathering feedback through the consultation process.”

The council is working alongside community councils, business forums and tourism organisations to bring the discussions to different parts of the Highlands.

Anyone interested in attending can find the latest meeting arrangements, including registration details where required, through the Engage Highland events page.

No final decision has been made on introducing the levy, with councillors expected to consider the consultation findings after the public engagement process concludes.

For businesses and residents who may be affected, the November meetings provide another opportunity to make their views known before that decision is taken.

Supporting documents and the online consultation questionnaire are available through the Engage Highland consultation portal.

Consultation closing date: 30 November 2026.