Proposed Visitor Levy ‘Must benefit local communities’
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Chris is encouraging local people to contribute to an ongoing consultation on a proposed Visitor Levy, which could be used to help develop local projects.
Following the passing of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act by the Scottish Parliament in May 2024, local authorities now have the power to introduce a levy on overnight stays in paid accommodation. In December 2024, Stirling Council agreed to explore this possibility locally and launched a consultation to help shape how a levy could work in practice, and now the Council is inviting residents, businesses, and stakeholders to take part in a public consultation on a proposed visitor levy for the region.
Under the current proposals, a 5% charge would apply to overnight accommodation costs across the Stirling area, bringing the region in line with similar schemes already approved in other Scottish areas (Edinburgh and Glasgow). Early estimates suggest the levy could generate between £5 million and £7.5 million annually.
Chris Kane MP has welcomed the principle of the levy but emphasised that any income must bring tangible benefits to local communities:
“We are proud to welcome visitors to Stirling and Strathallan. Tourism is a vital part of our local economy and something I want to see thrive. A huge part of what makes this area so appealing isn’t just our rich heritage, breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities, it’s our people and communities. As such, we need to ensure our community facilities and services can cope with the demands of tourism.
The visitor levy is, in principle, a good idea, which can provide a funding stream to develop and enhance our already world-class tourism. But we have to ensure that a proportion of the levy is used to support community priorities, improving facilities where tourism has the most impact, and ensuring local people see a direct benefit from the success of our visitor economy. The final scheme must be sure to benefit local communities.”
Have Your Say
The public consultation is open now and runs until 12 October 2025. You can:
- Complete the survey online via the Stirling Council website
- Pick up a paper copy at any Stirling Council Library
- Attend an in-person drop-in session throughout September
📌 Click here for full details of the proposed Visitor Levy and how to take part in the consultation.
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