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The Herald Scotland
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Cruise port warns levy could ‘harm Scotland's reputation as tourist destination'
MSPs have passed legislation which allows councils to bring in a visitor levy on overnight stays in places such as hotels, bed and breakfasts and holiday lets – with a number of authorities now looking at introducing such charges. However with the visitor levy not applying to passengers on cruise ships, the Government is consulting on whether a separate charge should be introduced. Port of Cromarty Firth said it has calculated that if a levy of £5 per passenger was introduced, port costs for ships visiting it would be increased by almost a quarter (23%). In these circumstances it said a 10% reduction in cruise ships to the port would be the best case scenario it would expect. The port added that while Highland Council could stand to collect £863,000 if such a charge was introduced, businesses and communities in the area could lose out on £2.4 million of spending by cruise passengers. Alex Campbell, chief executive of Port of Cromarty Firth, said: 'Our figures show that the cruise levy would not benefit the Highlands, but rather the introduction of this additional tax would adversely affect businesses that rely on income from tourism, and damage our communities who already find skilled labour hard to come by. 'The impact would disproportionately fall on smaller businesses and seasonal workers, such as shop owners, tour guides and taxi drivers. 'The cruise industry makes a much-needed multimillion-pound contribution to the Highland economy every year and provides a vital source of income to a wide range of businesses. 'In turn, through the wages of workers and employees and the profits generated by the supply chain that benefits from cruise, it raises tax revenues for Scottish and UK governments. 'The Port of Cromarty Firth does not understand the economic rationale for bringing in a local cruise levy. We believe that, far from benefiting our nation, it will in fact harm the reputation of Scotland as a tourist destination. 'Further, as an additional tax that is difficult to administer and collect, it will only damage relations with cruise operators.' The consolation runs until May 30, with Finance Secretary Shona Robison having already said it will 'help to inform the Scottish Government's decision over whether or not to bring forward legislation'. Speaking at the start of the consultation earlier this year, Ms Robison said ministers had held a series of events to 'hear the views of the cruise ship industry, local government, and others'.
STV News
23-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
Cruise port warns levy could ‘harm Scotland's reputation as tourist destination'
Introducing a levy for cruise ships could 'harm the reputation of Scotland as a tourist destination', Scottish ministers have been warned. Bosses at the Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon raised concerns as the Scottish Government consults on whether it should give local councils the power to introduce such a charge. The port attracted more than 100 cruise ships last year, carrying more than 213,000 passengers. Adding that these visitors spend an estimated £19 million locally, port bosses are concerned a cruise ship levy could have a 'net negative impact on the Highland economy'. Port of Cromarty Firth said: 'This is because the amount of cash raised through the introduction of a cruise levy would be considerably outweighed by a much bigger drop in regional income as a result of an inevitable slump in ship and passenger numbers due to the new tax being applied.' The claim came in the port's response to the Government consultation. MSPs have passed legislation which allows councils to bring in a visitor levy on overnight stays in places such as hotels, bed and breakfasts and holiday lets – with a number of authorities now looking at introducing such charges. However with the visitor levy not applying to passengers on cruise ships, the Government is consulting on whether a separate charge should be introduced. Port of Cromarty Firth said it has calculated that if a levy of £5 per passenger was introduced, port costs for ships visiting it would be increased by almost a quarter (23%). In these circumstances it said a 10% reduction in cruise ships to the port would be the best case scenario it would expect. The port added that while Highland Council could stand to collect £863,000 if such a charge was introduced, businesses and communities in the area could lose out on £2.4 million of spending by cruise passengers. Alex Campbell, chief executive of Port of Cromarty Firth, said: 'Our figures show that the cruise levy would not benefit the Highlands, but rather the introduction of this additional tax would adversely affect businesses that rely on income from tourism, and damage our communities who already find skilled labour hard to come by. 'The impact would disproportionately fall on smaller businesses and seasonal workers, such as shop owners, tour guides and taxi drivers. 'The cruise industry makes a much-needed multimillion-pound contribution to the Highland economy every year and provides a vital source of income to a wide range of businesses. 'In turn, through the wages of workers and employees and the profits generated by the supply chain that benefits from cruise, it raises tax revenues for Scottish and UK governments. 'The Port of Cromarty Firth does not understand the economic rationale for bringing in a local cruise levy. We believe that, far from benefiting our nation, it will in fact harm the reputation of Scotland as a tourist destination. 'Further, as an additional tax that is difficult to administer and collect, it will only damage relations with cruise operators.' The consultation runs until May 30, with finance secretary Shona Robison having already said it will 'help to inform the Scottish Government's decision over whether or not to bring forward legislation'. Speaking at the start of the consultation earlier this year, Robison said ministers had held a series of events to 'hear the views of the cruise ship industry, local government, and others'. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Hamilton Spectator
02-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Prince Rupert Middle School breaks ground with First Nations blessing
School District 52 staff, joined by hundreds of students, local politicians, and First Nations, gathered at Prince Rupert Middle School to bless the site and mark the ceremonial cleansing and groundbreaking for a much-anticipated new school building. The new facility is being built adjacent to the existing one in the same location, replacing the original building constructed in 1958. Completion of the project is expected by September 1, 2027. Sm'ooygit Githoon (Alex Campbell) led the traditional blessing ceremony at the construction spot, and various stakeholders participated in a symbolic gravel scoop marked with a golden shovel. Members of the Gits'iis clan, on whose territory the school is being built, gave speeches. Marlene Clifton led a powerful singing and drumming segment, joined by several students who added their voices and rhythms to the moment. 'The school is in poor condition and predominantly functionally obsolete,' said SD 52 in an April 28 press release. 'The current school building has reached its designed life and it became an urgent need for an accessible, seismically safe, modern school.' In September 2023, the Province announced $126.8 million in funding to replace and rebuild the school, which will serve approximately 600 students. 'Supporting this project will ensure students, staff, and the entire school community are provided with a contemporary, engaging, forward-looking and seismically safe environment in which to flourish,' said SD 52. The school district stated the new facility will support the Province's goals for universal childcare by creating space for affordable, culturally safe childcare, which is an essential step toward reconciliation and equitable access for families. Beyond education, the Province said the project will contribute to B.C.'s climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, support local economic recovery and enhance school meal programs. Once complete, the modern school will offer students a healthier, more engaging learning environment while continuing the Province's commitment to building safe, inspiring schools across B.C. In the 2022/23 school year, Prince Rupert Middle School reported an enrollment of 436 students. With revised projections, the school expects over 47 per cent growth by 2037, reaching an enrollment of 588 students. This is a number the new facility is designed to accommodate. At the April 29 gathering, SD52 Board Chair Kate Toye shared planning for a new middle school began over a decade ago. Former North Coast–Haida Gwaii MLA Jennifer Rice said the project has been very close to her heart. She has encountered different generations of people frustrated that the project wasn't progressing. 'I'm so excited it's finally happening,' said Rice. Since the plan's inception, School District 52 has held multiple public engagement sessions, which it will continue to do to understand community needs better and incorporate them into the design process. 'It's worth the money. It's going to be fantastic,' said Rice. 'What an opportunity to meet the vision of the people who live here and the community that wants it here.' Roberta Edzerza, District Principal of Indigenous Education, expressed gratitude for the blessing of the land, which she said makes way for future growth, learning, and opportunity. She said the ground has been officially broken with intention, inviting good energy, education, vision, and a strong sense of belonging. The new space will serve not only as a place of learning from Monday to Friday but also as a gathering place for community-building activities, including arts events, feasts, and more. The new Prince Rupert Middle School will span an estimated 5,500 square metres over two storeys and include a Neighbourhood Learning Centre. KMBR Architects Planners of Vancouver is designing the project.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
US to deploy ‘hellscape' of drones in Taiwan Strait by 2025 to counter China
The US seems to be rapidly advancing with its ambitious 'Replicator' initiative. Under this program, the US aims to deploy swarms of lethal autonomous drones in the Taiwan Strait by August 2025. Interestingly, US officials have called this deployment an 'unmanned hellscape.' Captain Alex Campbell, the maritime portfolio director of the Defense Innovation Unit, confirmed the August 2025 target date at the recent West 2025 conference. 'It's not another [science and technology] project. It is meant to get to production, meant to field systems, in this case, in support of [US Indo-Pacific Command],' said Campbell, as reported by the US Naval Institute (USNI). These unmanned systems, deployed across air, surface, and underwater, will be networked to form a cohesive force. This strategy aims to create a powerful deterrent that China would be unwilling to risk a military operation against Taiwan. Eventually, the Navy's goal is to develop a hybrid fleet of manned and unmanned craft, and the underlying connective command and control and software decisions that are part of Replicator will inform the effort, noted USNI. The sheer number of drones, combined with their ability to coordinate and adapt, is intended to create a "hellscape" for any adversary. This emphasis on rapid deployment reflects the situation's urgency and the perceived need to counter China's growing military power. 'It's a lot of taking… a pretty wide and diverse set of systems and a wide and diverse set of software, and smashing them all together at a pace that is really more akin to commercial software tempos,' added Campbell. The Pentagon has already allocated approximately $1 billion to fund the initial phase of Replicator. The Navy has also established specialized units to operate and maintain these new drone systems. One such unit, Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3, known as the "Hell Hounds," recently received its first four Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Crafts (GARC). While the specifics of their missions remain classified, these vessels are expected to play a crucial role in the Replicator network. Beyond offensive capabilities, Replicator also focuses on defensive measures, specifically developing counter-drone technologies. This reflects the understanding that future conflicts will likely involve a complex interplay between offensive and defensive unmanned systems. The US and China are investing heavily in drone technology, leading to a potential arms race. The push to create an "unmanned hellscape" in the Taiwan Strait marks a bold gamble on the future of naval combat. The success of Replicator could significantly alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. Amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, the use and importance of drones have increased manifold. Subsequently, new developments have also been taking place in this sphere. Recently, Ukraine introduced a drone that can soar to 13,000 feet with a 90-mile range. With these specifications, the drone can operate beyond the reach of many enemy air defense systems. Meanwhile, a Chinese start-up aims to develop a supersonic drone capable of reaching four times the speed of sound.
South China Morning Post
30-01-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
US military says ‘unmanned hellscape' strategy in Taiwan Strait is on track
Published: 6:00pm, 30 Jan 2025 The first iteration of drones , set to form part of America's 'unmanned hellscape' strategy to be used against China in a potential war in the Taiwan Strait, is on track to meet its August 2025 deadline, according to a US Navy official. Speaking on Tuesday at the West 2025 conference hosted by the US Naval Institute and AFCEA, Alex Campbell, maritime portfolio director of the US military's Defence Innovation Unit (DIU), said the Replicator initiative would meet the goal set by former deputy defence secretary Kathleen Hicks. 'It's not another [science and technology] project. It is meant to get to production, meant to field systems, in this case, in support of [US Indo-Pacific Command],' Campbell said, according to the US Naval Institute's news portal USNI News. 'It's a lot of taking … a pretty wide and diverse set of systems and a wide and diverse set of software, and smashing them all together at a pace that is really more akin to commercial software tempos.' First unveiled by Hicks in August 2023, Replicator is an initiative overseen by the DIU that focuses on fielding thousands of what the Pentagon calls 'all-domain attritable autonomous' (ADA2) systems to create swarms of small, low-cost drone systems – including unmanned surface vehicles, unmanned aerial systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems. Former US deputy secretary of defence Kathleen Hicks set the August 2025 goal for the first part of the Replicator initiative. Photo: AP The first part of the initiative is intended to link surface, subsurface drones and loitering munitions to create a 'hellscape' aimed at preventing possible military aggression by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) across the Taiwan Strait . The second part, announced last year, will be focused on countering hostile drones.
