Stirling visitor levy consultation closes

People in Stirling are being invited to share their views on a proposed 5% visitor levy.

The charge would apply to overnight guests in accommodation across the entire council area.

An online survey on the proposal closes today.

More than 750 people have responded to the consultation.

Meanwhile, in-person drop in sessions have been held across the Stirling area.

If approved, the levy would be introduced from 1st June 2027.

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: “We have had another strong response from businesses, residents and visitors to the formal consultation on the Draft Visitor Levy Scheme with over 750 entries in the online survey alone. My thanks to everyone who has shared their views via the surveys or through the drop-in sessions. 

“If you have still to take part, please do this before the main survey closes at midnight on Sunday 12 October, as this will be your final chance to shape the draft scheme for Stirling before council decides on whether to implement it in December.”

Cllr McGarvey said: “Introducing a levy would enable us to invest in our visitor economy, from building better facilities to attracting more events and festivals. This would support further growth in this vital sector and deliver a wide range of benefits for our communities. However, we also recognise the concerns that have been expressed of bringing in a levy, particularly from the accommodation sector.

“That’s why we need as many voices as possible to feed into the survey by October 12, to inform the creation of a draft scheme that reflects the needs and ambitions of everyone in the Stirling Council area, from Throsk to Tyndrum.”