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Highland Council announces dates for public events as part of visitor levy consultation





Members of the public are being encouraged to attend public events in February as part of the consultation regarding a controversial tourist tax scheme which may be introduced in the Highlands.

This move could see the Highlands introduce visitor levy of 5 per cent on overnight accommodation in the area, applicable all-year-round - something which has sparked protests and debate over the past months.

The engagement events, coming in a variety of formats - including face-to-face informal drop-in sessions held in libraries and other civic spaces - aim to help Highland residents to get involved in the consultation process - with the deadline now extended to March 31, 2025.

Highland Council convener Bill Lobban said: “We are getting feedback from businesses in the tourism sector but we also need to hear the voices of individual members of the public.

“It is very important that the consultation is as encompassing as possible and all voices are heard.

“We have set up these sessions in different formats at different times of day, to make it as easy as possible for people to have their say.”

The council has also compiled a series of frequently asked questions on its website to explain aspects of the the proposal and are aimed at being a starting point for anyone wanting to find out more before filling in the on-line consultation document.

Public Library Community Drop-in Events

Nairn locator..The Nairn Library High Street Nairn..Picture: Gary Anthony..
Nairn locator..The Nairn Library High Street Nairn..Picture: Gary Anthony..

These will be informal in-person drop-in opportunities to chat with council staff on the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme and ask questions about the proposal or the consultation process.

Public access computers will also be available on-site for members of the public to fill in the online consultation document, if required.

· Nairn Library – 7 February 2025, 10:30-12:30

· Thurso Library – 18 February 2025, 14:00-19:30 (As part of a place-based planning event)

· Fortrose Community Library – 19 February 2025, 10:00-12:00

· Fort William Library – 26 February 2025, 11:00-13:00

· Ullapool Community Library – 27 February 2025, 11:00 – 13:00

· Brora Library – 28 February 2025, 10:30 – 12:30

Community Drop-in Events

Kingussie Courthouse
Kingussie Courthouse

They too will provide an informal in-person drop-in opportunity for members of the public to chat with Council staff on the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme and ask questions about the proposal or the consultation process.

· Inverness Archive Centre – 11 February 2025, 13:00 – 15:00

·Wick (Pulteney Centre) - 12 February 2025, 10:30 – 15:30 (As part of a place-based planning event)

· Kingussie Courthouse – 13 February 2025, 1:30-3:00

· Kyle of Lochalsh Service Point – 20 February 2025, 11:00 – 13:00

Community Webinars

These will all begin with a formal online presentation from Council staff on the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme followed by the opportunity to ask questions about the proposal or the consultation process.

25 February 2025, 16:00-17:00

13 March 2025, 11:00-12:00

The Council is asking people to regularly check the Visitor Levy website as further details and additional venues will be confirmed and registration links to online events will be published.

In addition to these public engagement events, the Council will be hosting a webinar specifically for community council members and will be taking part in a series of Chambers of Commerce Business Events.

Councillor Lobban added: “We want the consultation to be as inclusive as possible, ensuring that it fairly and accurately captures opinion and feedback from across all communities.

“This is why I encourage people to take up this opportunity to drop-in and have an informal chat with staff on the proposals and then pass on their views via the on-line consultation.”

In addition to the online survey, there is a phoneline to request a paper copy of the consultation 01349 781020 and a dedicated email address to answer any queries and provide support: visitorlevyconsultation@highland.gov.uk


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