Highland Council is facing mounting criticism for pushing ahead with plans to implement a Visitor Levy, as neighbouring councils adopt a more cautious approach.
Inverness Councillor Michael Gregson has accused the SNP-led Administration of acting in isolation, following recent decisions by Orkney, Shetland, Argyll and Bute, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to delay or pause implementation.
His motion to pause the levy in Highland to allow more time for public consultation, economic assessment, and alignment with national developments was rejected at a full council meeting.
Councillor Gregson described the decision as “obdurate and stubborn,” arguing that a rushed timeline could damage trust and undermine the very tourism economy the levy is intended to support.
“The Council needs to take a breath,” he said.
“With a Scottish Parliament committee still taking evidence, consultation responses not yet published, and impact assessments incomplete, a pause makes sense.”
He expressed concern that the push to implement the levy as early as possible appears driven more by the promise of an estimated £10 million in new revenue than by sound planning.
“The debate was rushed and poorly attended by the end,” he said.
“This is a significant issue for communities and businesses across the Highlands, and it deserved better consideration.”
Councillor Gregson’s proposals included shifting the burden of collection from accommodation providers to the Council through digital QR code systems, extending the levy to motorhomes and cruise ship passengers, and a commitment to work more closely with the Scottish Government on refining the scheme.
These suggestions were largely dismissed during the debate.
He also raised questions over unresolved issues such as whether the levy would be a flat rate or a percentage of cost, and whether Highland residents or those travelling for medical reasons might be exempt.
“There are real details still to be worked through,” he said.
“Even the idea that a Council led by the SNP should engage constructively with an SNP Scottish Government was pushed aside.”
The Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee is currently taking evidence and may recommend significant changes.
A fresh draft of the enabling legislation is expected, which could reshape how local authorities across Scotland implement the scheme.
In the meantime, Highland Council’s decision to press ahead places it increasingly at odds with other rural and island authorities.
