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Scotsman
6 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
West Lothian visitor levy scheme could potentially bring in more than £1m a year
A visitor levy scheme for West Lothian could potentially bring in more than £1m a year into council coffers. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... But while councillors welcomed the start of consultations agreed this week, the Tories branded the proposals a tourist tax which would hit local business and discourage visitors. And councillors were concerned as officers offered a cautious two year path to an actual introduction following a similar decision taken by the council in Edinburgh last month. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Councillor Sally Pattle, Lib Dem, Linithgow, asked how soon the levy could be introduced. 'How urgently are we moving on this, what is the time line given this is an easy revenue stream we can capitalise on.' A report to West Lothian's Executive outlined potential income based on the 298,000 visitors who stayed in the county in 2024 The meeting heard that there are statutory guidelines on the introduction of a levy demanding clear consultation. 'Are those conversations taking place already?' asked Councillor Pattle. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jim Henderson, Business development manager said the conversation was in the early stages. Edinburgh last month agreed to impose a 5% levy from next summer. Glasgow, Argyll and Bute, and Aberdeen are all now in formal consultation stage. Other councils such as East Lothian, Stirling, Dumfries & Galloway, and others have been given approval for 'early engagement' work. Many cities across Europe now have visitor levies in place. A report to West Lothian's Executive outlined potential income based on the 298,000 visitors who stayed in the county in 2024. The most expensive accommodation, with an average spend of £100 per person per night would generate £1,342, 800 at a 5% levy. The lowest proposed levy of 2% would generate more than £500,000 in the most expensive accommodation. In a report to the Executive, Stewart Ness, Tourism and Town Centre Manager said: 'Whilst Visitor Levy is historically considered in areas of 'over-tourism', such as Edinburgh, it may be inappropriate to argue that this applies across West Lothian where some areas might benefit from an increase in visitors. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There could be a risk that West Lothian is 'left behind' by neighbouring local authority areas that do use the ring-fenced funds raised through the introduction of a Visitor Levy to invest in tourism in their areas.' Stressing the need to establish consultation with local businesses Mr Ness added: 'Local authorities are encouraged to conduct early engagement before entering the consultation phase . 'Although not statutory, this engagement phase is considered by the guidance to be best practice. Learning from other local authorities' areas who have undergone the process is available and this could be used to guide the process in West Lothian. 'By engaging with the tourism businesses in this collaborative fashion, it will increase understanding for the scheme amongst those who will be responsible for collecting the levy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'By using already established networks, such as Visit West Lothian and Business Gateway, it should increase the participation rates of businesses in the engagement.' However Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson criticised a move to what he called a tourist tax which could damage local business. In an amendment he said: 'Given the importance of this tax on business and the negative impact this is likely to have on the tourist economy across West Lothian it is vital that all West Lothian Councillors are involved in the decision making on this extra tax.' The amendment welcomed the decision to engage with those in the tourism industry and added: ' [We] trust the Council will ensure those who will have to administrate the scheme are fully advised of the processes involved and the implications.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He told the meeting: 'This is a tax on people, a tax on businesses and a tax in individuals.' The amendment called for any future decision on the implementation of a levy to come back to full council because all councillors would have businesses in their areas which could be affected. The SNP group leader Janet Campbell welcomed the report but said : ' It doesn't seem to be moving forward at a pace we would have expected and, given that we are looking at more than £1m, which would almost cover the savings to be made on the community centres. It seems to be a bit of a no-brainer.' Councillor Pattle said: ' I welcome this report, but I have concerns about the lack of urgency, I hope that we are able to move forward with this easy income strategy at pace.' In a vote Councillor Doran-Timson's amendment demanding later decisions come to full council rather than the executive was defeated along with a similar amendment from the SNP.
Edinburgh Reporter
25-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Tourist tax could generate £1m income in West Lothian
A visitor levy scheme for West Lothian could potentially bring in more than £1m a year into council coffers. But while councillors welcomed the start of consultations agreed this week, the Tories branded the proposals a tourist tax which would hit local business and discourage visitors. And councillors were concerned as officers offered a cautious two-year path to an actual introduction following a similar decision taken by the council in Edinburgh last month. Councillor Sally Pattle, Lib Dem, Linithgow, asked how soon the levy could be introduced. 'How urgently are we moving on this, what is the timeline given this is an easy revenue stream we can capitalise on.' The meeting heard that there are statutory guidelines on the introduction of a levy demanding clear consultation. 'Are those conversations taking place already?' asked Councillor Pattle. Jim Henderson, Business development manager said the conversation was in the early stages. Edinburgh last month agreed to impose a 5% levy from next summer. Glasgow, Argyll and Bute, and Aberdeen are all now in formal consultation stage. Other councils such as East Lothian, Stirling, Dumfries & Galloway, and others have been given approval for 'early engagement' work. Many cities across Europe now have visitor levies in place. A report to West Lothian's Executive outlined potential income based on the 298,000 visitors who stayed in the county in 2024. The most expensive accommodation, with an average spend of £100 per person per night would generate £1,342, 800 at a 5% levy. The lowest proposed levy of 2% would generate more than £500,000 in the most expensive accommodation. In a report to the Executive, Stewart Ness, Tourism and Town Centre Manager said: 'Whilst Visitor Levy is historically considered in areas of 'over-tourism', such as Edinburgh, it may be inappropriate to argue that this applies across West Lothian where some areas might benefit from an increase in visitors. 'There could be a risk that West Lothian is 'left behind' by neighbouring local authority areas that do use the ring-fenced funds raised through the introduction of a Visitor Levy to invest in tourism in their areas.' Stressing the need to establish consultation with local businesses Mr Ness added: 'Local authorities are encouraged to conduct early engagement before entering the consultation phase. 'Although not statutory, this engagement phase is considered by the guidance to be best practice. Learning from other local authorities' areas who have undergone the process is available and this could be used to guide the process in West Lothian. 'By engaging with the tourism businesses in this collaborative fashion, it will increase understanding for the scheme amongst those who will be responsible for collecting the levy. 'By using already established networks, such as Visit West Lothian and Business Gateway, it should increase the participation rates of businesses in the engagement.' However Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson criticised a move to what he called a tourist tax which could damage local business. In an amendment he said: 'Given the importance of this tax on business and the negative impact this is likely to have on the tourist economy across West Lothian it is vital that all West Lothian Councillors are involved in the decision making on this extra tax.' The amendment welcomed the decision to engage with those in the tourism industry and added: '[We] trust the Council will ensure those who will have to administrate the scheme are fully advised of the processes involved and the implications.' He told the meeting: 'This is a tax on people, a tax on businesses and a tax in individuals.' The amendment called for any future decision on the implementation of a levy to come back to full council because all councillors would have businesses in their areas which could be affected. The SNP group leader Janet Campbell welcomed the report but said: 'It doesn't seem to be moving forward at a pace we would have expected and, given that we are looking at more than £1m, which would almost cover the savings to be made on the community centres. It seems to be a bit of a no-brainer.' Councillor Pattle said: ' I welcome this report, but I have concerns about the lack of urgency, I hope that we are able to move forward with this easy income strategy at pace.' In a vote Councillor Doran-Timson's amendment demanding later decisions come to full council rather than the executive was defeated along with a similar amendment from the SNP. By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
West Lothian 'tourist tax' could bring in £1m as council urged to push forward
But while councillors welcomed the start of consultations agreed this week, the Tories branded the proposals a tourist tax which would hit local business and discourage visitors. A visitor levy scheme for West Lothian could potentially bring in more than £1m a year into council coffers. But while councillors welcomed the start of consultations agreed this week, the Tories branded the proposals a tourist tax which would hit local business and discourage visitors. And councillors were concerned as officers offered a cautious two year path to an actual introduction following a similar decision taken by the council in Edinburgh last month. Councillor Sally Pattle, Lib Dem, Linlithgow, asked how soon the levy could be introduced. 'How urgently are we moving on this, what is the time line given this is an easy revenue stream we can capitalise on.' The meeting heard that there are statutory guidelines on the introduction of a levy demanding clear consultation. 'Are those conversations taking place already?' asked Councillor Pattle. Jim Henderson, Business development manager said the conversation was in the early stages. Edinburgh last month agreed to impose a five per cent levy from next summer. Glasgow, Argyll and Bute, and Aberdeen are all now in formal consultation stage. Other councils such as East Lothian, Stirling, Dumfries & Galloway, and others have been given approval for 'early engagement' work. Many cities across Europe now have visitor levies in place. A report to West Lothian's Executive outlined potential income based on the 298,000 visitors who stayed in the county in 2024. The most expensive accommodation, with an average spend of £100 per person per night would generate £1,342, 800 at a five per cent levy. The lowest proposed levy of two per cent would generate more than £500,000 in the most expensive accommodation. In a report to the Executive, Stewart Ness, Tourism and Town Centre Manager said: 'Whilst Visitor Levy is historically considered in areas of 'over-tourism', such as Edinburgh, it may be inappropriate to argue that this applies across West Lothian where some areas might benefit from an increase in visitors. 'There could be a risk that West Lothian is 'left behind' by neighbouring local authority areas that do use the ring-fenced funds raised through the introduction of a Visitor Levy to invest in tourism in their areas.' Stressing the need to establish consultation with local businesses Mr Ness added: 'Local authorities are encouraged to conduct early engagement before entering the consultation phase. 'Although not statutory, this engagement phase is considered by the guidance to be best practice. Learning from other local authorities' areas who have undergone the process is available and this could be used to guide the process in West Lothian. 'By engaging with the tourism businesses in this collaborative fashion, it will increase understanding for the scheme amongst those who will be responsible for collecting the levy. 'By using already established networks, such as Visit West Lothian and Business Gateway, it should increase the participation rates of businesses in the engagement.' However Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson criticised a move to what he called a tourist tax which could damage local business. In an amendment he said: 'Given the importance of this tax on business and the negative impact this is likely to have on the tourist economy across West Lothian it is vital that all West Lothian Councillors are involved in the decision making on this extra tax.' The amendment welcomed the decision to engage with those in the tourism industry and added: ' [We] trust the Council will ensure those who will have to administrate the scheme are fully advised of the processes involved and the implications.' He told the meeting: 'This is a tax on people, a tax on businesses and a tax in individuals.' The amendment called for any future decision on the implementation of a levy to come back to full council because all councillors would have businesses in their areas which could be affected. The SNP group leader Janet Campbell welcomed the report but said : ' It doesn't seem to be moving forward at a pace we would have expected and, given that we are looking at more than £1m, which would almost cover the savings to be made on the community centres. It seems to be a bit of a no-brainer.' Councillor Pattle said: ' I welcome this report, but I have concerns about the lack of urgency, I hope that we are able to move forward with this easy income strategy at pace.' In a vote Councillor Doran-Timson's amendment demanding later decisions come to full council rather than the executive was defeated along with a similar amendment from the SNP.
Edinburgh Live
25-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian 'tourist tax' could bring in £1m as council urged to push forward
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A visitor levy scheme for West Lothian could potentially bring in more than £1m a year into council coffers. But while councillors welcomed the start of consultations agreed this week, the Tories branded the proposals a tourist tax which would hit local business and discourage visitors. And councillors were concerned as officers offered a cautious two year path to an actual introduction following a similar decision taken by the council in Edinburgh last month. Councillor Sally Pattle, Lib Dem, Linithgow, asked how soon the levy could be introduced. 'How urgently are we moving on this, what is the time line given this is an easy revenue stream we can capitalise on.' The meeting heard that there are statutory guidelines on the introduction of a levy demanding clear consultation. 'Are those conversations taking place already?' asked Councillor Pattle. Jim Henderson, Business development manager said the conversation was in the early stages. Edinburgh last month agreed to impose a 5% levy from next summer. Glasgow, Argyll and Bute, and Aberdeen are all now in formal consultation stage. Other councils such as East Lothian, Stirling, Dumfries & Galloway, and others have been given approval for 'early engagement' work. Many cities across Europe now have visitor levies in place. A report to West Lothian's Executive outlined potential income based on the 298,000 visitors who stayed in the county in 2024. The most expensive accommodation, with an average spend of £100 per person per night would generate £1,342, 800 at a 5% levy. The lowest proposed levy of 2% would generate more than £500,000 in the most expensive accommodation. In a report to the Executive, Stewart Ness, Tourism and Town Centre Manager said: 'Whilst Visitor Levy is historically considered in areas of 'over-tourism', such as Edinburgh, it may be inappropriate to argue that this applies across West Lothian where some areas might benefit from an increase in visitors. 'There could be a risk that West Lothian is 'left behind' by neighbouring local authority areas that do use the ring-fenced funds raised through the introduction of a Visitor Levy to invest in tourism in their areas." Stressing the need to establish consultation with local businesses Mr Ness added: 'Local authorities are encouraged to conduct early engagement before entering the consultation phase . 'Although not statutory, this engagement phase is considered by the guidance to be best practice. Learning from other local authorities' areas who have undergone the process is available and this could be used to guide the process in West Lothian. 'By engaging with the tourism businesses in this collaborative fashion, it will increase understanding for the scheme amongst those who will be responsible for collecting the levy. 'By using already established networks, such as Visit West Lothian and Business Gateway, it should increase the participation rates of businesses in the engagement.' However Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson criticised a move to what he called a tourist tax which could damage local business. In an amendment he said: 'Given the importance of this tax on business and the negative impact this is likely to have on the tourist economy across West Lothian it is vital that all West Lothian Councillors are involved in the decision making on this extra tax.' The amendment welcomed the decision to engage with those in the tourism industry and added: ' [We] trust the Council will ensure those who will have to administrate the scheme are fully advised of the processes involved and the implications.' He told the meeting: 'This is a tax on people, a tax on businesses and a tax on individuals.' The amendment called for any future decision on the implementation of a levy to come back to full council because all councillors would have businesses in their areas which could be affected. The SNP group leader Janet Campbell welcomed the report but said : ' It doesn't seem to be moving forward at a pace we would have expected and, given that we are looking at more than £1m, which would almost cover the savings to be made on the community centres. It seems to be a bit of a no-brainer.' Councillor Pattle said: ' I welcome this report, but I have concerns about the lack of urgency, I hope that we are able to move forward with this easy income strategy at pace.' In a vote Councillor Doran-Timson's amendment demanding later decisions come to full council rather than the executive was defeated along with a similar amendment from the SNP.
National Geographic
23-06-2025
- National Geographic
7 of the best bookshops to visit in the UK
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). With summer bringing Independent Bookshop week to UK shores, we're celebrating bookstores that are well worth travelling to. From a hilltop spot in York to a cool cafe hangout in London's East End and far beyond, we've selected independently run shops that continue to draw book-lovers to towns and cities across the UK and Ireland. Many of these have been recognised by the Independent Bookshop of the Year award, past or present, and all are lovely places to linger over a good read, graphic novel or open mic night, before exploring the local area — complete with a travel tip from each bookseller. 1. Falmouth Bookseller, Cornwall With its broad collection taking in fiction, natural history, children's stories and current affairs, plus a selection of local interest books, this port town indie offering has something for everyone — including a 'study' with co-working desks and an upstairs cafe selling local Yallah Coffee and giant pasties from Stones Bakery. Bookseller tip: Manager Eloise Rowe recommends taking a walk around the point to sheltered Castle Beach. 'Enjoy a brilliant cake at Castle Beach Café and dip your toes in the crystal-clear water under the castle.' 2. Far From The Madding Crowd, West Lothian In the Scottish market town of Linlithgow, this much-loved bookshop occupies one of the handsome Georgian buildings flanking the high street. Describing itself as an 'indie bookshop with a bit on the side', it offers a strong selection of Scottish titles, along with a bothy for quiet reading, poetry evenings and a shop bunny called BB. Bookseller tip: Manager Sally Pattle says, 'Visitors should walk up to the Grange from the east end of the loch, where you'll find the best views over Linlithgow Palace, the loch and the gleaming golden spire of St Michael's Parish Church.' Bookshop by the Sea is the host and founder of Aberystwyth Poetry Festival (6-8 June) and also holds children's storytelling sessions, book clubs and music nights. 3. The Bookshop by the Sea, Ceredigion This seaside spot is the host and founder of Aberystwyth Poetry Festival (6-8 June) and also holds children's storytelling sessions, book clubs and music nights. Settle into the corner armchair with a detective noir by locally schooled novelist Malcolm Pryce, or have afternoon tea in the pretty courtyard. Bookseller tip: Owner Freya Blyth says, 'The seafront, with its colourful Victorian houses, has the best sunsets, sometimes accompanied by starling murmurations. The nearby National Library of Wales is worth a visit for its rare books.' 4. Little Acorn Bookstore, Derry This former Georgian house, the largest indie bookshop in Ireland's northwest, is a temple to words of all kinds, from the reclaimed schoolteachers' chairs signed by hundreds of authors, actors, directors, broadcasters, musicians and artists to the 25,000-strong book collection and a typewriter museum that opened last summer. Bookseller tip: Owner Jenni Doherty says, 'On the banks of the River Foyle, Derry is a vibrant, welcoming place; a walled city of pride and personality. Walk the walls, talk to all and fall in love.' 5. Wave of Nostalgia, West Yorkshire Located in the Brontë sisters' hometown, Haworth, this hillside spot specialises in fiction and non-fiction written by or about inspiring women. There are also titles on nature, the environment and inclusivity, plus gifts such as suffragette greetings cards, feminist T-shirts and homemade children's clothes. Bookseller tip: Owner Diane Park recommends lifting your eyes from the page to enjoy the panorama: 'The view from the top of our hill takes in a winding cobbled street with many independent shops, bars and restaurants, opening out onto moors scenery that inspired the Brontës.' Catering to its name, Barter Books offers visitors the chance to exchange paperbacks within its rail station setting. Photograph by Barter Books Ltd 6. Barter Books, Northumberland A curio collection of second-hand books stacked up in an old Victorian railway station in Alnwick is the setting for this cathedral-like shop where you'll find a model railway strung between bookshelves. Bring paperbacks to exchange, have a bacon butty in the Station Buffet cafe or head to Paradise, an ice cream parlour in the former stationmasters' office selling local Morwick Dairy scoops and sundaes. Bookseller tip: Founding director Mary Manley suggests: 'Head west out of Alnwick through Northumberland National Park to Kielder Observatory. First, take Kielder (Forest) Observatory Road to see one of artist James Turrell's brilliant Skyspace installations, found worldwide, and spend some time looking up through its oculus at the sky above; then, go another half mile to Kielder Observatory to watch the nighttime sky through a telescope (book head).' 7. Bàrd Books, East London This local hangout has a curated collection of literary fiction, canonical classics and poetry. Browse over a masala chai and a pastry from the cafe or a rum-based Hemingway spritz in the garden, and return for tarot readings, authors in conversation and open mic nights. Bookseller tip: Manager Kristin Griffin says, 'We're located near Victoria Park. With weekend markets and green space aplenty, it's the perfect place to sprawl out with a new book.' Independent Bookshop Week 2025 took place 14-21 June. Published in the June 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
