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

Executive Director of Adult Care Services

Hertfordshire County Council
£158,000
This is an exciting time to be joining Hertfordshire County Council. Hertfordshire
Recuriter: Hertfordshire County Council

Assistant Director - People & Change

Cambridgeshire County Council
Up to £91,625 + generous pension
Cambridge is a city of global reputation and local pride – a place of ideas, innovation and inclusion. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Recuriter: Cambridgeshire County Council

Head of Public Confidence and Assurance

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£71,425 - £80,216
The York andNorth YorkshireCombined Authority is at a pivotal point. York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Strategic Director of Finance (S151)

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
C £130K
Are you an inspiring and strategic leader ready to make a lasting impact? Tameside, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council

Strategic Director of Corporate Services

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
C £130K
Are you an inspiring and strategic leader ready to make a lasting impact? Tameside, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner