Today (16th September), the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) formally requested to submit a deputation to Argyll and Bute Council ahead of its meeting on 24th September, calling on councillors to pause and reassess the proposed 5% visitor levy.
In its submission, the ASSC stressed the importance of councillors having the opportunity to hear directly from Scotland’s self-catering sector and the wider tourism industry before taking a decision that could have profound consequences for fragile rural and island economies.
In the deputation, ASSC Chief Executive Fiona Campbell MBE pointed out that while industry is not fundamentally opposed to the principle of a levy, it is about designing the right scheme, at the right time, in the right way. Anything less risks undermining both the visitor economy and the communities it sustains. Above all, this decision should not be politically driven. It must be underpinned by good governance, transparency, and a commitment to future stability for both businesses and communities.
The Council’s own consultation showed that a majority of more than 3,000 respondents opposed the levy, with councillors themselves warning that pressing ahead would be a “red light, not a green light.”
The deputation highlights the risks of imposing a percentage-based levy on fragile rural and island economies already facing high costs, seasonal demand, and limited infrastructure. It also warns against using the levy to plug council budget gaps, stressing that it must deliver additional investment for the visitor economy rather than replacing core funding.
Instead, the ASSC is calling for a pause, genuine collaboration with local communities and businesses, and consideration of fairer alternatives such as a flat-rate charge.
You can read the full Deputation submitted to Argyll and Bute Council here.