Lochaber MSP cautious over calls for tourist tax

A tax on tourists visiting Lochaber cannot be considered unless the tourism industry is involved from the beginning, according to MSP Kate Forbes.

The SNP politician’s comments come after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon ordered a consultation on allowing councils to set a local ‘tourist tax’ at a Scottish Tourism Alliance meeting this week.

Ms Forbes told the Lochaber Times that although she wants to ensure there is investment in infrastructure in Lochaber, questions remain over the suitability of a tourist tax. ‘Surely, we cannot consider additional taxes unless the tourism industry and the hospitality sector are involved from the beginning, not least because hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs in Lochaber and the wider Highlands depend on both.’

She continued: ‘There are many questions that first need to be answered about additional discretionary taxes, such as how it would be raised and how we would ensure it was spent in Lochaber.’

In May this year, Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson said she was reconsidering the introduction of a levy on tourist accommodation in an attempt to generate extra revenue for the cash-strapped council.

Highland Council convenor Bill Lobban said: ‘While the intervention of the First Minister is to be welcomed, any consultation must be wide ranging in its scope and include members of the public and tourism operators.’

Lesley Benfield, chief executive officer of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, said: ‘Although ‘‘infrastructure is failing to keep up with the growth in tourism’’, the Lochaber branch has not yet come to a defined position but has been consulting members on this issue.’