{
  "id": 3261176,
  "title": "The Highland tourist tax: Is Scotland pricing out whisky tourists?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/the-highland-tourist-tax-is-scotland-pricing-out-whisky-tourists",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-25T12:32:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/the-highland-tourist-tax-is-scotland-pricing-out-whisky-tourists/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Between 2012 and 2024, the number of visitors to the Scottish Highlands soared by an impressive 82%, reaching 9.4 million. Accommodation spending within the region mirrored this growth, hitting £2.1 billion. Given the heavy reliance on the Scotch whisky sector, one would expect Scottish policymakers to prioritize the wellbeing of this industry. However, their actions suggest otherwise. The Highland Council, the largest local government in the United Kingdom, is proposing a tourist tax of £5 per room, per night, for hotels and short-term rentals. Hoteliers would keep five percent of the levy, while the remainder would be earmarked for enhancing tourist-related infrastructure, such as roads and facilities. Despite the Highlands boasting some of the most breathtaking landscapes worldwide and a thriving Scotch whisky industry, accommodation costs pose a significant hurdle for potential tourists. The high season often sees hotel prices soaring above £500 per night, a substantial portion of which is consumed by escalating expenses. The region's allure is heightened by its isolation, with many distilleries and accommodations situated in remote areas. While these natural trade-offs contribute to the area's charm, they also bring about human-made challenges. Hoteliers have reported difficulties getting staff to work due to unreliable bus networks and prohibitively expensive transportation. Additionally, building new establishments is nearly impossible in many Highland towns and villages, constrained by stringent planning laws and the high cost of transporting construction materials. Furthermore, rising employment taxes, alcohol duties, and overall business costs compound these issues. Getting to the Highlands can also be prohibitively expensive. Without a car, travelers face a steep £300 train fare from Edinburgh to the heart of the region. The Caledonian Sleeper train, which drops passengers off in the core of the Highlands, costs £300 one way from London. Domestic air travel presents its own set of problems. Loganair, the sole provider of flights to the islands, suffers from numerous operational challenges. Ferry services are plagued by issues, further exacerbating the accessibility problem. A recent trip to Lisbon highlighted the stark contrast in travel costs. A short, £250 flight and a £15 Uber ride took me to the Locke de Santa Joana hotel, home to The Kissaten, a 'Listening Bar' featuring 100 whiskies curated by esteemed whisky writer Dave Broom. The journey took eight hours from door-to-door, and a bottle of Glenfarclas 25 cost under €50. By comparison, a night's stay in the Highlands cost £250, with limited lodging options and exorbitant restaurant prices. Even basic transportation was a challenge, with taxis booked months in advance. In contrast, the heart of the city offered more affordable accommodations and dining experiences. The ongoing challenges facing the Scotch whisky industry, exacerbated by the UK government's regressive taxation policies, are mirrored in the difficulties faced by Scotland's tourism industry. Policymakers' handling of planning, wages, regulation, and local taxes appears to be a significant hindrance to a tourism industry that is inherently vibrant. An additional tax, as proposed by the Highland Council, will not alleviate these pressing concerns.",
  "summary": "The latest available data from the Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor in Scotland (STEAM) shows that between 2012 and 2024, visitor numbers to the Highlands increased 82 per cent to 9.4m. Spending increased by a similar amount, to £2.1bn. A large share of that is directly linked to the Scotch whisky sector. You’d think, therefore, [...]",
  "key_points": [
    "Scottish Highlands saw 82% surge in visitors from 2012 to 2024.",
    "Highland Council proposes £5 tourist tax per room, per night.",
    "Proposed tax aims to fund infrastructure, not directly benefit Scotch whisky industry."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}