Highland MSP’s motorhome tax support voiced again with Scottish National Party member adamant the Visitor Levy Act should encompass a levy on camper van use by tourists
A Highland MSP has reaffirmed her support for a tax to be imposed on motorhome visitors to the area.
The SNP’s Emma Roddick MSP wants a motorhome levy to be introduced as an expansion to the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act.
The Visitor Levy Act allows local authorities to impose a visitor tax on tourists to fund the preservation and maintenance of local infrastructure, including roads and waste facilities.
But tourists visiting the Highlands and Islands by motorhome are currently exempt from the visitor levy, despite spending patterns showing that they typically contribute less to local economies than those who stay in hotels and holiday rentals.
The Highlands and Islands has experienced a significant increase in tourist numbers in recent years, fuelled in part by the success of the NC500 and a post-pandemic boom in Scots favouring ‘staycations’ over holidays abroad.
This has posed challenges for local communities whose infrastructure is under strain.
Ms Roddick, as a member of the local government housing and planning committee, recently pressed the Scottish Government on its position regarding a motorhome levy.
Shona Robison, cabinet secretary for finance and local government, confirmed that the Scottish Government remains open to the idea but discussions are in the early stages.
Ms Roddick said: “I am proud to represent the Highlands and Islands, a region renowned for its stunning landscapes and natural beauty, which must be protected.
“The increasing number of visitors to the region in recent years has put significant pressure on our local infrastructure, affecting our local communities who call these areas their home and putting unnecessary pressure on our local authorities who are expected to absorb the costs.
“Local communities cannot reasonably be expected to continue funding infrastructure maintenance and restoration when other revenue-generating measures could be implemented, like expanding the visitor levy to include motorhomes.
“It is fair that motorhome visitors to the Highlands and Islands contribute to the preservation and maintenance of the areas they enjoy so much – ensuring these areas can be enjoyed by future generations - while protecting the quality of life for folk living there.
“Balancing the benefits of tourism with the well-being of local communities is essential for the long-term sustainability of the Highlands and Islands.
“The Scottish Government and local authorities must work together to address this issue, and I look forward to supporting that collaboration in the months ahead.”
