Local authorities across Scotland now have the power to introduce a Scottish Visitor Levy, sometimes described as a tourist tax. If you’re planning or have booked a self-driving tour in Scotland, here’s what is currently confirmed and what it means for travellers.
what is the scottish visitor levy?
The Scottish Visitor Levy is a locally administered charge applied to overnight accommodation. It is not a single national tax: each council decides whether to introduce it, when it begins, and how it is calculated. Revenue raised is intended to support local infrastructure and services that visitors rely on, from transport and public spaces to destination management.
the current confirmed scheme: edinburgh
At present, the only fully approved and timetabled scheme is in Edinburgh.
From 24 July 2026, accommodation providers in Edinburgh will charge:
- 5% of the pre-tax accommodation cost
- Applied per stay, for up to the first five nights
- Paid directly to the accommodation provider, not to your tour operator, who in turn pay this to the local government
The levy applies only to overnight accommodation and is settled locally, usually at check-out.
what about the rest of scotland?
Other Scottish local authorities are actively exploring whether to introduce their own visitor levies. It is very likely that most Scottish authorities will eventually follow Edinburgh. However, no other schemes are expected to come into force before 2027 at the earliest. Details such as rates, caps, and collection methods may differ by area if and when these are introduced.
The Highland Council and Argyll & Bute Council are consulting on schemes. Other schemes which have been approved to start in 2027 include:
- Glasgow from 25 January 2027 – 5% on the full length of stay
- Aberdeen from 1 April 2027 – 7% on the full length of stay
- Stirling from 14 June 2027 – 3% on the full length of stay unless stays are over 7 nights
West Dunbartonshire from 1 July 2027 – 5% for the full length of stay
how does this affect a celtic routes journey?
Your Celtic Routes tour price does not include the visitor levy, as it is a local charge collected independently by accommodation providers. Where a levy applies – such as Edinburgh stays from July 2026 onwards – we will highlight this clearly in your pre-departure information so you can plan accordingly.
Our itineraries are designed with care and transparency, ensuring you understand the full picture before you travel and can focus on the experience rather than the administration.
our approach
Thoughtful travel depends on clarity, trust, and good planning. While the Scottish Visitor Levy introduces a new consideration, it doesn’t change our commitment to crafting journeys that are unhurried, well-informed, and deeply rewarding.
If you’d like advice on how the levy applies to a specific itinerary, or you’re planning a future journey and would like guidance, we’re always happy to help—so you can concentrate on what really matters: the journey itself.
