Scottish councils will be free to introduce "visitor levies" – so-called tourist taxes – from spring 2026 under new legislation backed by members of the Scottish parliament (MSPs) this week.
Edinburgh remains hopeful of becoming a visitor levy frontrunner (Credit: iStock)
Edinburgh council leader Cammy Day hailed it a "momentous day" for the city and its campaign to be given the necessary powers to introduce a levy, the proceeds of which will be ring-fenced for reinvestment in services and facilities.
The country’s capital has long been expected to become the first Scottish destination to take advantage of the new legislation, for which it has been lobbying since 2019.
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