The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has formally submitted a detailed response to the joint visitor levy consultation launched by Orkney Islands Council, Shetland Islands Council, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. In its submission, the ASSC reaffirms its principled opposition to the introduction of a visitor levy across the islands, citing the likely negative impact on local tourism businesses, particularly small and micro self-catering operators.
Fiona Campbell, CEO of the ASSC, welcomed the councils’ efforts to seek stakeholder input through a robust and evidence-based process but warned against adopting an approach that could unintentionally damage the visitor economy. “Given the importance of tourism to the islands, we simply cannot afford to get this wrong,” she said.
Alongside detailed responses to the consultation questions, the ASSC submission includes four key recommendations to mitigate harm should any levy be introduced:
Transition to a Fixed Flat Fee Banded Model – simpler, fairer, and easier to administer than a percentage-based system.
Shift Collection Responsibility to Local Authorities – using a QR code-based digital payment system to reduce the burden on businesses.
Pause Implementation – to avoid the operational pitfalls seen in other areas such as Edinburgh.
Ringfence Levy Revenues – ensuring all funds are reinvested into tourism infrastructure and services, with strong industry oversight.
The response also highlights recent independent economic analysis showing that the short-term let sector delivers significant Gross Value Added (GVA) and employment benefits across all three island areas – underlining the need for policy decisions that support, rather than stifle, the sector.
The ASSC’s full response urges the councils to proceed with caution and to ensure any levy model is fair, proportionate, and workable for both visitors and local businesses.