Western Isles Council pauses plans for a visitor levy
Councillors were told that Orkney and Shetland island councils had adopted a similar policy to pause the introduction of their visitor levy schemes.Tourism in the Western Isles has been growing, with more than 389,000 visitors in 2023 - up 21.8% from 2022 figures, according to a feasibility report prepared for the comhairle.The report said accommodation was mostly provided by small-scale self-catering providers, with 1,246 businesses offering about 7,900 beds.Meanwhile, South Ayrshire Council is set to abandon plans for a tourist tax in the region.The local authority mooted the prospect of charging for overnight stays in a bid to boost its finances.However, a public consultation into the plan was heavily negative, with only 15% of respondents supporting the proposal compared to 79% against.Reporting by local democracy reporter Peter Urpeth.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
After £500million scandal of Scotland's delayed and over-budget vessels, new SNP shambles as 10,000 ferry trips scrapped
The SNP 's ferry fiasco deepened last night as shock new figures revealed more than TEN THOUSAND trips to and from Scotland's islands had to be cancelled. An astonishing 10,809 crossings were scrapped by Scotland's crisis-hit ferry operator CalMac in just over two years due to technical faults. It comes as the state-owned firm has suffered years of problems caused by its ageing fleet, which provides a lifeline to Scotland's island communities. Services have also been impacted by the almost £500m scandal surrounding delivery of its two new ferries for the Arran service, the Glen Sannox and the Glen Rosa, which have been dogged by years of delays and spiralling costs. Last week, a Holyrood committee warned a state-owned shipyard tasked with building the ferries, Ferguson Marine, that it had 'failed to meet the standards expected of a publicly funded body'. And in May ministers brushed over grave concerns about CalMac's record by awarding it a £3.7billion contract to run the Clyde and Hebrides services for another ten years. Last night, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Jamie Greene slammed the SNP for failing Scotland's islanders. He said: 'These figures reveal just how much chaos the SNP are causing island communities. 'Our island communities are being treated as second class citizens, lacking the basic right to access the same public services as mainland Scots. 'The SNP's failure to deliver new lifeline ferries has anchored islanders with an ageing fleet that is in constant need of repair, at constant risk of cancellation and costing millions in repair bills. 'My constituents on the west coast are suffering the depressing reality of losing business, missing events and hospital appointments and, frankly, they have lost faith in the Scottish Government's ability to fix those problems.' The figures, obtained by Mr Greene's party under freedom of information laws, show that over a 851-day period, there were 10,809 cancelled sailings, which occurred on 548 out of those 851 days - around 64 per cent of the time. A number of vital routes have suffered delays or cancellations owing to a 'lack of vessel availability'. A key factor in timetable, route changes and cancellations is the age of CalMac's 35-strong fleet. Many vessels - most of which are leased from the state-owned ferry procurement agency CMAL -have been forced to operate beyond their expected lifespans, leading to growing levels of breakdowns. The Mail on Sunday has told how over the past decade, the repair bill for CalMac's eight largest ferries was £100million. And last month, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar told John Swinney at First Minister's Questions that overall, the company had spent £250million on its breakdown-prone fleet since 2014. Examples of swingeing delays due to breakdowns include the 32-year-old MV Caledonian Isles, which is supposed to cover the busy Arran route and has required more than £22million of repairs. It has been out of service since January 2024. In April, it emerged taxpayers had been left with a £1million compensation bill for food and hotels for travellers stranded by cancelled and disrupted CalMac sailings since 2021. Scandal has dogged SNP ministers in particular after they signed off the purchase of two CalMac boats, the Glen Sannox and the Glen Rosa, for the West Coast in 2015 for £97million. While the Glen Sannox was delivered seven years late, the Glen Rosa is set to be delivered eight years late, with the total cost for the vessels passing £460million. Mr Sarwar recently went further and said Mr Swinney's SNP had spent almost £500million on the two ferries - and 'cannot be trusted with the public's money'. Despite the problems, ministers awarded CalMac a £3.7billion contract to run the Clyde and Hebrides services for another ten years in May. And last week, the state-owned shipyard which was tasking with building Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa, Ferguson Marine, was at the centre of a scathing Holyrood report. The public audit committee said a host of failures and a battered reputation had left Ferguson Marine with an empty order book and at risk of collapse - and warned that without more 'urgent investment' from taxpayers, the 'viability' of the Clydeside yard was in doubt. A CalMac spokeswoman said that the more than 10,000 cancelled trips represented just five per cent of their planned sailings since 2023. She added: 'In a typical day we operate over 450 sailings and our staff work hard to provide a good service in challenging circumstances. In fact, poor weather remains the most common cause of disruption. 'In terms of technical problems, these do happen with an aging fleet and in increasingly challenging weather. 'However, the arrival of 13 new vessels by 2029, which started with MV Glen Sannox in January this year, will reduce these and modern vessels will improve the reliability and resilience of services across the whole network.' A Transport Scotland spokesman said: 'Between January 1 2023 and April 30 2025, over 95 per cent of the 391,139 scheduled sailings operated. 'We are investing in six, new, major vessels to serve Scotland's ferry network from early 2025, alleviating the need for extensive repairs on older vessels and improving reliability. 'Contracts have also been signed for a further seven, new, smaller vessels to serve the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network. 'CalMac are delivering services in increasingly challenging weather and the arrival of 13 new vessels by 2029, which started with MV Glen Sannox in January this year, will reduce technical issues and these modern vessels should also be able to operate in more challenging weather and sea conditions.'
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Trump backlash as rich Americans flee the States and bid for new life... in a Scottish castle
Wealthy Americans fleeing the US after the election of Donald Trump are driving a boom in sales of Scottish castles. In the six months since the most controversial and divisive president in modern history took office, top-end estate agents have witnessed a huge surge in interest for the country's oldest and most dramatic properties. And although buying a castle has long been the ultimate fantasy of many home-owners, prices are now soaring to a historic high – partly because of an exodus of millionaires from the States. So while many castles over the centuries have witnessed and withstood countless battles, skirmishes and attacks, these days they are more likely to find themselves at the centre of a bidding war. One recent sale went to a closing date with no fewer than three rich Americans all offering far in excess of the initial asking price. Cameron Ewer, head of residential property for Savills estate agency explained a spike in interest from the US was pushing prices higher. He said: 'There are definitely more international buyers in the marketplace. In the immediate aftermath of Donald Trump 's election, the number of American inquiries through our website went absolutely through the roof – and has now settled to a far higher-than-normal level. 'Not everyone is a Trump supporter, and those that aren't are keen to leave the country: there's definitely an element of that in discussions we've had with buyers.' Last month tax lawyers and immigration advisers told US broadcaster CNN they had seen a 'stampede' of Americans emigrating since the start of Mr Trump's presidency. One couple told the channel: 'We're getting away from the chaos … I feel like the America as we knew it growing up is slipping away pretty fast.' Meanwhile, more than 1,900 US residents applied for a British passport during the first quarter of 2025, the most since the Home Office began keeping records in 2004. Politics aside, Mr Ewer said there were also other factors behind the surge in interest in Scotland's castles. He said: 'Scottish castles have always had international appeal. There's a romance surrounding them – and there's always a smattering on the market. But there are definitely more for sale right now. One factor may be the increasing costs of running a castle – which isn't cheap. Another factor is simply that the market in Scotland is pretty buoyant across the board, and with more stock coming to the market generally, there's a feeling that this is a good time to be selling prize assets in Scotland.' He explained: 'The overarching reason for the uptick in interest is value: the quality of the properties, the culture, the heritage behind them that buyers can afford in Scotland is head and shoulders above what can be found in other places in the UK, Europe or elsewhere.' And with a flurry of castles newly offered to the market, even properties worth millions are being quickly snapped up. In just the past few weeks, three magnificent piles have gone 'under offer' – including Plane Castle in Stirlingshire (a manor house near Bannockburn with a 14th-century tower which was marketed for offers over £1.2 million); Keillour Castle (a turreted country house in Perthshire, offers over £1.8 million) and Cramond Tower (a restored mediaeval tower house outside Edinburgh, offers over £850,000). Glenborrodale Castle, a sprawling 16-bedroom sandstone castle in the West Highlands also sold this year – for more than £200,000 above the asking price – having been put on the market for offers over £2.35 million. Scotland has around 1,500 castles – ranging from mediaeval strongholds with towers and keeps, to fortified mansions, and even 18th century estate houses whose battlements are purely decorative. Many are ruins, while others have been converted into commercial ventures such as luxury hotels and wedding venues. Hundreds more, however, remain as private homes – and are eagerly sought after when they go up for sale, sometimes after decades or even centuries in the ownership of the same family. Estate agents believe the general level of interest in castles from property lovers on both sides of the Atlantic has been boosted by TV's The Traitors – hosted in the UK by Claudia Winkleman and by Alan Cumming in the American version – which was set amid the baronial splendour of Ardross Castle north of Inverness. Mr Ewer said increased demand was boosting the prices for castles. He said: 'Prices this year are at a height – both in terms of asking prices and also in terms of the final prices being achieved. Castles are a special type of property, and the values don't always follow trends in the general housing market. 'People don't say, 'I've got a budget of two million, I'm going to buy a Scottish castle.' They typically need far deeper pockets than that, to be able to ensure they can afford the maintenance and running costs. These aren't buyers with specific budgets. If you find the right buyer, they'll pay whatever it takes.' Earlier this month American actress Christina Hendricks hinted she was looking to buy a castle. After spending time in Scotland filming two series of period drama The Buccaneers – which features as locations Culzean Castle in Ayrshire, Hopetoun House, near South Queensferry, and Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfriesshire – the 50-year-old confessed in an interview: 'I am so in love with Scotland... I'm all about the historical stuff. I mean when we shoot at these estates and these castles... this is mind blowing to me.' Above, to help the actress – and any other would-be purchasers – track down a dream castle in Scotland, the Mail on Sunday reveals some of the most amazing examples currently on the market. Picturesque ruins Over the centuries, many ancient castles have fallen into disrepair. And although the damage may be beyond the reach of even the most ambitious restorer, the remains can still make a picturesque centrepiece for a larger estate. The ruins of Castle Cary in Creetown, Dumfries and Galloway, are currently on the market for offers over £9.5 million. The price tag may seem high for a derelict building but the estate also includes a holiday park business with swimming pool, and pub and restaurant. On the Isle of Skye, the ruins of Armadale Castle, the historic seat of the MacDonalds of Sleat, (above) is on sale at offers over £995,000. The Clan Donald Lands Trust said it had taken the 'difficult' decision to sell the square Tudor-Gothic mock-castle dating back to 1815 – and the adjoining 20,000-acre estate – because of financial challenges. Castle with Mod Cons Although Pirwindy Keep near Largo in Fife looks and sounds like a historic stronghold, it was actually built in 1998. To all intents and purposes it really is a 'modern' castle. The six-bed property – offers over £1.9 million – was designed as a replica of a fortified turreted keep. The main three-storey tower has an imposing stone façade and a protruding balcony which offers great views over the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh's Arthur's Seat – ideal as a lookout in case the house ever needs to take on a defensive role against marauding invaders! Historical dungeons! For some, a castle's true worth can only be measured in the number of centuries it has been standing – and in the tally of original features such as mediaeval battlements, dungeons, moats and arrow-slit windows. Earlshall Castle in Leuchars, Fife, still retains its 16th century musket loops for repelling invaders. With an asking price of £8 million, the house – which was visited by Mary, Queen of Scots and King James VI – also boasts a Great Hall and a 50ft gallery decorated with the coats of arms of European royalty and Scottish nobles. Cakemuir Castle in Tynehead, Midlothian, (above) also dates back to the 1500s and has distinctive crenellated walls and spiral staircases, plus a stone plaque commemorating the occasion Mary, Queen of Scots in 1567 sheltered there, as she fled Borthwick Castle disguised as a page boy. The eight-bedroom restored tower house is available for offers over £2.9 million. The original tower house features a projecting turnpikestair, gun loops and a parapet for guards. A pavilion contains a dining room opening to the lawned garden through three sets of French doors. The property also has a wine cellar. A £300,000 bargain Believed to be the cheapest castle currently on the market in Scotland, Little Tarrel Castle is for sale, offers over £299,000. The B-listed fortalice – a small fortified house – was built in 1559 by Alexander Ross who became chief of Clan Ross and Laird of Balnagown after his father was murdered. Determined not to meet the same fate, Alexander began attacking rivals, kidnapping neighbours, stealing church lands and defying the government. After decades of delinquent behaviour, he was brought to book and forced to hand his title to his son. The castle was fully restored in the 1980s but retains many original features, including arched stone fireplace, timber beams, thick wooden latched doors and shutters, as well as the original shot hole, gun loops and arrow slits.
Times
12 hours ago
- Times
Telling colleague to ‘shut up' could break the law, tribunal rules
Telling a colleague to 'shut up' in front of others at work could break employment laws, an employment tribunal has ruled. Despite a claim that the phrase is 'common parlance', a judge ruled that using it would 'undermine' whoever it is directed at. The conclusion came in the case of a company director who successfully sued after his boss tried to silence him during an online meeting. David Ashe won almost £15,000 in compensation after complaining about the 'unacceptable' behaviour of his managing director, Roger Topping, in telling him to shut up. Supporting his claim of constructive unfair dismissal, Judge Lucy Wiseman said: 'The tribunal was satisfied that Mr Topping did not have reasonable and proper cause to tell a fellow director to shut up during a staff meeting and in front of other, more junior, staff. 'We say that because such conduct would undermine [Mr Ashe] in front of those staff.' The tribunal in Glasgow was told that Ashe worked as a director of operations at Claims Equilibrium Club, an insurance claims assistance service for insurance brokers and their clients, from April 2022. Topping had headhunted him as a partner and successor to run the business, the hearing was told. He had employed Ashe on the basis that he would 'sell 50 per cent of the equity in the business to [Ashe] within five years for a set sum', the tribunal was told. However, cracks in the relationship between the two developed over Ashe's first year as a director. One of the problems was that he felt he wasn't being given enough work, while Topping thought he wasn't finding enough work. In June last year the two had a meeting in which Topping said he 'could not see the current relationship improving and therefore there was no prospect of the originally planned partnership of 50/50 working'. He offered to sell Ashe the entire company but Ashe did not want to do this. The day after this meeting, Ashe emailed Topping telling him that he disagreed that he was the cause of the unresolved issues between the two of them. The tribunal was told: '[Ashe] also made reference to the fortnightly staff meetings, held on Teams, where Mr Topping had shouted at him to shut up which was unacceptable.' He added that he 'felt that it had [not been] appropriate for Mr Topping to shout at him during team meetings'. • WhatsApp work 'banter' not private, tribunal rules Ashe raised a grievance with Topping, who consulted an HR specialist. In a meeting with this specialist the same month, the tribunal was told: 'Mr Topping did not deny telling [Mr Ashe] to shut up during a staff meeting on Teams, but this had arisen because [Mr Ashe] was continually interrupting others and not allowing them to speak.' The HR specialist partially upheld Ashe's grievance, finding that Topping had displayed 'general hostility' in telling him to shut up. Ashe went on sick leave after this, and resigned in September. He said Topping had 'taken no proactive steps to resolve matters with him' despite parts of his grievance being upheld, and he had been left with 'no option but to resign in response to the breach of contract'. Topping told the tribunal that it was Ashe who had broken the contract by not being a good employee. 'Mr Topping considered the allegations of bullying were unproven and false,' the tribunal was told. 'He acknowledged that perhaps he had said shut up but there had been no malice in this and it was simply common parlance.' • Boss who said he could not live on £250,000 loses tribunal claim The judge disagreed. Ruling in Ashe's favour, she said of the managing director's behaviour: '[We] considered whether the employer's conduct as a whole was such that its effect, judged reasonably and sensibly, was such that the employee cannot be expected to put up with it. 'The tribunal was satisfied that Mr Topping's conduct was such that, judged reasonably and sensibly, [Mr Ashe] could not be expected to put up with it. 'The tribunal reached that conclusion because of the cumulative effect of … the withdrawal of the share purchase opportunity; the breakdown in the relationship … and Mr Topping undermining the claimant in front of other staff by telling him to shut up during a staff meeting.' This incident was considered, alongside Topping's other actions, to be a 'breach of the implied term of trust and confidence' and therefore a 'fundamental breach of contract entitling the claimant to resign'. The tribunal found that both men were responsible for the breakdown in their relationship, and therefore awarded Ashe half of the award it would have otherwise given him. Claims Equilibrium Club was ordered to pay him £14,568 in compensation.
