Ellie Ames 09 January 2025

Edinburgh set to declare Scotland's first ‘tourist tax’

Edinburgh set to declare Scotlands first ‘tourist tax’ image
Image: sadman / Shutterstock.com

The City of Edinburgh Council is set to vote through a visitor levy this month, more than six years after it began working on the scheme.

After councillors green-lighted the plans in August and following a public consultation, updated proposals will be considered by the council’s policy committee on 17 January and by full council a week later.

Changes include a recommendation to cap the 5% levy at five consecutive nights per person, rather than seven, and making stays at temporary campsites liable.

The charge, which will also cover hotels, short-term lets, B&Bs and hostels, will apply to stays from July 2026 that are booked from this May onwards.

The council has said the levy is expected to raise up to £50m a year.

Council leader Jane Meagher said the funding could provide Edinburgh with ‘the single biggest injection of new funding this side of the millennium’.

She added: ‘We’ll be able to use funds to help us manage tourism sustainably and boost projects which benefit the experience of visitors and residents.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner