People across the Highlands are being invited to have their say on the proposed Visitor Levy, with Highland Council organising two public webinars to explain how the scheme could work and answer questions about its potential impact.
The online sessions will take place on Wednesday 14 October and Wednesday 28 October 2026, both beginning at 6.30pm, as the council continues its formal consultation on whether to introduce a charge on overnight visitor accommodation.
Residents, accommodation providers, businesses, community organisations and visitors are being encouraged to take part, with the consultation remaining open until 30 November.
The webinars will explain the legislation governing visitor levies in Scotland, how a scheme could operate in Highland and the arrangements for investing any money raised.
Importantly, the council has emphasised that no final decision has been made about introducing the levy, with councillors expected to consider the consultation findings before determining whether a scheme should proceed.
Council Convener Bill Lobban said:
“We know there is significant public interest in the proposed Visitor Levy consultation, and we are encouraged by the uptake to date.
“However, with 7 weeks to go until the consultation closes, we want to ensure everyone can access information and take part in the statutory consultation process.
“These webinars are to help people better understand the proposal, hear more about how it could operate, and find out how they can share their views through the formal consultation.
“I would like to reiterate that no decision has been made on whether a Visitor Levy will be introduced in the Highlands.
“The purpose of this statutory consultation is to gather public feedback that will inform a report to The Highland Council, when Councillors will decide whether to introduce a Visitor Levy scheme in Highland.
“We encourage anyone with an interest in the proposal to read the information available which explains the legislative requirements of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, how a Visitor Levy could operate, and the framework that governs how any funds raised could be invested.
“Should a Visitor Levy be introduced in the future, the legislation is clear; any net proceeds must be used to support the scheme’s objectives and invested in facilities and services that benefit visitors and local communities.
“However, at this stage, our main focus is on listening to the views of residents, businesses, visitors and stakeholders through the consultation process.”
The question of how tourism contributes towards the infrastructure and services it relies upon has become an important discussion across the Highlands, where the visitor economy supports employment and businesses while also placing demands on roads, facilities and public services.
Under the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, any net revenue generated by a future scheme must be invested in facilities and services which support the visitor economy and benefit visitors and local communities.
The council hopes the webinars will help people understand both the opportunities and practical considerations before submitting their views.
Anyone wishing to ask a question must register for a webinar and submit it in advance by email to visitorlevyconsultation@highland.gov.uk.
Questions must arrive by 12 noon on the day before each session, meaning Tuesday 13 October for the first webinar and Tuesday 27 October for the second.
Submitted questions will be anonymised, grouped into themes and answered following the council’s presentation.
The webinars will not be recorded, and attendees will not have access to microphones, cameras or live chat facilities during the sessions.
Anyone with further questions afterwards can continue contacting the council through the same email address, with relevant answers added to its published frequently asked questions.
The formal consultation closes on 30 November 2026, giving residents and businesses several more weeks to make their views known.
Whether people support the principle of a Visitor Levy, oppose its introduction or simply want to understand how it might affect their community, the council is encouraging them to take part before any decision is made.
Visitor Levy Consultation Webinar registration details:
Wednesday 14 October 2026 and Wednesday 28 October 2026
Time: 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Link for the 14 October webinar: Visitor Levy Consultation Webinar | Join meeting in Teams | Microsoft Teams
Link for the 28 webinar: Visitor Levy Consultation Webinar | Join meeting in Teams | Microsoft Teams
For supporting documents and to complete the Visitor Levy consultation, visit the Engage Highland consultation portal.
Closing date: 30 November 2026.
