Argyll and Bute Council has opened a public consultation on a revised visitor levy that would charge tourists a flat fee for each room, each night, in a bid to raise funds for local services and infrastructure.
What the proposal would change
The draft scheme moves away from a percentage-based charge to a flat rate per room, per night, reflecting recent changes in national legislation. The consultation document — which is open until 5 October 2026 — asks residents, visitors and business owners for their views on whether a levy should be introduced, what the daily cost should be and how any revenue should be spent.
Councillors say revenue could be used to ease pressure on facilities and to bolster the visitor economy, with suggested priorities including improvements to public toilets, car parks and waste management, along with better links to public transport and support for cultural events.
“Every area of life wants more investment than is available. A visitor levy could bring significant income to support the local visitor economy,” said Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council. “As many visitor services are used also by residents, this could benefit both visitors and residents. So we have to consider a levy as a rare investment option for Argyll and Bute. I would encourage everyone to find out about this new draft visitor levy scheme and give their views.”
Who might be exempt and how income could be used
The draft includes the standard statutory exemptions set by national rules. In addition, the council proposes:
- an exemption for island residents and their registered carers when travelling to the mainland for healthcare appointments;
- a proposed waiver for young people on residential trips at outdoor education centres;
- using funds for grants to local visitor economy businesses and community-led sustainability projects.
The council has not set a specific levy amount in the consultation paper; instead it is seeking public feedback on the level of charge that would be appropriate. No commencement date for the charge has been published pending the consultation outcome and subsequent decisions.
Practical details
The consultation runs until 5 October 2026. The council invites responses from residents, businesses operating in the visitor economy, community groups and other stakeholders on the design, exemptions and spending priorities for the levy.
| Item | Current position |
|---|---|
| Type of charge | Draft proposes flat rate per room, per night |
| Consultation deadline | 5 October 2026 |
| Suggested spending areas | Toilets, car parks, waste, transport links, cultural events, business grants |
Local business groups and residents are likely to examine the proposals closely. Hoteliers and self-catering operators will want clarity on administration and compliance, while communities popular with visitors will focus on how funds are apportioned and whether measures will reduce pressure on services.
Respondents can expect the council to consider the consultation feedback before deciding whether to adopt a final scheme and, if approved, how and when to implement it. The council’s headquarters are at Kilmory Castle, where elected members will discuss the responses once the consultation closes.
