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Daily Record
14-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Public consultation launched on plans to introduce 'tourist tax' in Stirling
The draft Stirling Visitor Levy scheme, known as the 'tourist tax' has opened for public consultation and would see visitors hit with an additional charge on overnight accommodation. A public consultation on the proposed ' tourist tax ' in Stirling has been launched. Stirling Council is inviting feedback on the draft Visitor Levy scheme for the area, as the public consultation goes live. The draft scheme, which was given the green light by the council to proceed to consultation last month, utilises new powers granted by the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024. It proposes a five-per cent levy on overnight stays across all forms of paid visitor accommodation within the Stirling Council area. In addition to statutory exemptions, the scheme includes several Stirling-specific exemptions for those paying the levy – including Stirling Council residents, recipients of carers' allowance and visitors staying more than seven nights (through reimbursement). A site exemption scheme is also proposed for charitable and educational organisations, where the trip's primary purpose is charitable or educational. Residents and other stakeholders, including the local tourism sector, are now invited to share their views on the draft scheme through an online survey. Paper copies are also available in Stirling Council libraries, with the consultation running until October 12. Businesses, accommodation providers, residents and visitors can also provide feedback on the proposals at drop-in sessions in various locations across Stirling in September. The sessions are scheduled as follows: Albert Halls in Stirling on September 9, from 11am-6pm; The John McLintock Hall, Balfron, on September 11 from 10am–6pm; Drymen Village hall on September 17 from 10am-6pm; McLaren Hall in Killin on September 23 from 10am-6pm; and Callander Youth Project Trust on September 29 from 10am-6pm. Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: "Tourism is a vital part of Stirling's economy and we want it to continue growing. The draft Visitor Levy scheme has been produced with the aim of achieving this objective and maximising the potential benefits for all, supported by the extensive and constructive feedback we received in our initial public engagement. "The formal consultation is the final opportunity to influence a draft Visitor Levy scheme for Stirling before a decision is made on its implementation at the end of the year. I would encourage everyone, from accommodation providers to residents and visitors, to feedback on the scheme to ensure it reflects the needs of all of Stirling. "The online survey will run for three months to allow plenty of time for the public to consider and share views on these important proposals. We have also arranged drop-in sessions in locations across the Stirling area during September for people and businesses to learn more, ask questions and have their say." After the statutory consultation period concludes, a finalised proposal for the scheme will be submitted to the council in December. Should it receive approval, the revenue from the Visitor Levy could be channelled into key areas such as infrastructure enhancement, destination development, cultural events, and support for businesses and skills. If greenlit in December, the 'tourist tax' is set to come into effect from June 1, 2027, and would apply to bookings made on or after January 1, 2027. In May, the Stirling Observer reported on concerns raised by a hospitality trade organisation that the proposed 'tourist tax' might negatively affect tourism in the area. UK Hospitality Scotland has called on the council to conduct a comprehensive economic impact assessment of the visitor levy's potential effects. UK Hospitality Scotland's Executive Director, Leon Thompson, said: "Hospitality and tourism is so important to Stirling, as a major employer and driver of the local economy. "That economic and social contribution to our communities must be protected and we fundamentally believe that introducing a visitor levy could harm tourism in Stirling. "That's why Stirling Council should carry out a detailed impact assessment to understand the potential impact on visitors, tourism and the economy, before it embarks further on potentially introducing a levy. "We're keen to work with the council so they understand the perspective of accommodation businesses and I look forward to engaging further with them during this process." The Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers (ASSC) voiced concerns last December, suggesting that the introduction of a visitor levy in Stirling could burden small businesses with the role of "de-facto unpaid tax collectors". Fiona Campbell, ASSC chief executive, said that if such a tax were to be implemented, it must "be done right". In April, a campaign group opposing the levy cautioned that Stirling's hospitality industry might face a surge in cancellations due to the proposed charge. The Back British Holidays campaign highlighted the risk of up to 21-per cent of potential visitors scrapping their plans because of the extra cost. Moreover, they indicated that an additional 21-per cent might curtail their spending during their stay. The campaigners urged officials to rethink the levy, fearing it could deal a severe blow to the local tourism sector and result in millions of pounds in lost revenue for local enterprises. Views can be shared via Stirling Council's online survey here. Paper copies are also available at the region's libraries.
Daily Record
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Stirling to launch 'tourist tax' consultation next month following council approval
Stirling's proposed scheme would impose a five-per cent levy, or 'tourist tax', on overnight stays in all forms of paid visitor accommodation within the council's jurisdiction. Stirling Council has approved a draft 'tourist tax' scheme for the area to go to a public consultation on the proposals. The consultation is due to get underway next month. Using new powers granted by the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, Stirling Council's scheme would see a five-per cent levy, or 'tourist tax', slapped on overnight stays across all forms of paid visitor accommodation in the council area. Over and above the statutory exemptions, the draft scheme also proposes several exemptions to paying the tax, including to Stirling residents, those in the receipt of carers' allowance and to visitors staying more than seven nights through reimbursement. The council says that the draft scheme aims to ensure that Stirling continues to attract visitors all year-round while spreading the benefits more evenly across the region as well as minimising the impact on communities and the environment. In December last year, the local authority committed to a year-long programme of engagement and consultation to explore the potential introduction of a visitor levy. The first phase of the engagement ran from March to May this year and received 671 responses via online and paper surveys, with additional feedback gathered through a number of community meetings, drop-in events and direct business engagement. The council said that initial findings showed broad support among residents (57 per cent) and community groups (75 per cent). The early engagement revealed that the most popular suggested levy rate was one of five-per cent, aligning with the proposed rate from most other Scottish local authorities who are consulting on a similar levy. Priorities for investment included public infrastructure, sustainable transport, toilets and visitor facilities, followed by destination marketing and events. Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: 'Tourism is one of Stirling's key economic strengths with visitors from across the globe attracted to our world-class built heritage, stunning scenery, outdoor experiences, diverse and vibrant events and much more. 'This draft scheme is about reinvesting in what makes Stirling special so we can continue to grow this key part of the regional economy and maximise the potential benefits of a levy for everyone. It aims to ensure that visitors continue to have a high-quality experience while helping us protect the places and communities they come to enjoy. 'The proposals in the scheme have been shaped by the meaningful and constructive responses we received during the initial engagement exercise, such as the exemption for Stirling Council residents. I would like to thank all those who provided feedback – and the conversation on this important matter continues. 'When the formal consultation launches on 13 July we want to hear from everyone – accommodation providers, community groups, local businesses, and residents – to make sure the final version of scheme works for all of Stirling.' In May this year, the Stirling Observer told how a hospitality trade body warned that the proposed 'tourist tax' could 'harm tourism' in the region. UK Hospitality Scotland has urged the council to carry out a full economic impact assessment on the impacts of the proposed visitor levy. UK Hospitality Scotland Executive Director, Leon Thompson, said: 'Hospitality and tourism is so important to Stirling, as a major employer and driver of the local economy. 'That economic and social contribution to our communities must be protected and we fundamentally believe that introducing a visitor levy could harm tourism in Stirling. 'That's why Stirling Council should carry out a detailed impact assessment to understand the potential impact on visitors, tourism and the economy, before it embarks further on potentially introducing a levy. 'We're keen to work with the council so they understand the perspective of accommodation businesses and I look forward to engaging further with them during this process.' That came after the Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers (ASSC) said last December that the introduction of a visitor levy scheme on tourists in Stirling would mean that small businesses could become 'de-facto unpaid tax collectors'. ASSC chief executive, Fiona Campbell said the implementation of the tax must 'be done right'. In April this year, a campaign group against the proposals warned the move could see the city's hospitality sector left with high levels of cancellations. The Back British Holidays campaign warned that as much as 21-per cent of potential holidaymakers could cancel their trip over the additional tariff. Additionally, they said another 21-per cent would reduce their spending while on holiday. The group called on policymakers to reconsider the proposals over fears levies could significantly harm local tourism economies costing local businesses millions in lost revenue. The council previously estimated that a five per cent levy could generate as much as £7.5million. The City of Edinburgh Council has already agreed to introduce a visitor levy, and a number of local authorities in Scotland are also consulting on introducing a levy, including Glasgow and Argyll and Bute. If approved, the levy would take effect from June 1, 2027, applying to bookings made on or after January 1 that same year.
The National
23-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Stirling Labour councillors survive no-confidence vote
SNP councillors called for a special meeting last week to table a motion of no-confidence in the Labour administration's financial management of the local authority. Labour had been accused by the SNP of 'wasting millions' on projects, including shelving plans for £30 million worth of new and refurbished offices, and being in 'financial chaos' by accruing thousands of unprocessed invoices. However, despite being accused of failing the 'most basic financial housekeeping,' the Labour administration survived the vote of no confidence on Monday. READ MORE: Historic estate on banks of Loch Lomond goes on market for £7m Labour survived with 11 members voting in favour, and with 12 against the move. SNP Group Leader Susan McGill said: 'With Tory support, Stirling Labour's financial mismanagement of Stirling Council will continue. 'The Unionist parties will always back each other and put self-interest before services.' The Labour group will continue to run as a minority administration, led by Council Leader Gerry McGarvey. The Council's members are: nine SNP, eight Conservative, four Labour, one Green and one Independent. SNP Finance Spokesperson Councillor Gerry McLaughlan added: 'The cabal is dead, long live the coalition!!! 'This vote leaves the people of Stirling in no doubt; Labour and Tories are joined at the political hip, collude for power and will stop at nothing to protect their own political fortunes.' (Image: Twitter) The SNP said they tabled the motion on Monday due to a number of high-profile failures by Labour, including Stirling Council's agreement to spend £870,000 to rebuild the historic 117-year-old clock tower, which was demolished in a failed conservation effort. SNP Councillor Gene Maxwell said: 'Council Leader Gerry McGarvey has been a senior member of this administration for YEARS. 'Yet today his key defence was based on taking action a whole 5 DAYS AGO regarding unaudited and overdue accounts! Asleep at the wheel doesn't even get close!' The Stirling Labour group has been approached for comment.
Daily Record
16-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Former Stirling care home to be transformed into new housing after council approves sale
The building is situated within the original curtilage of the listed Batterflatts House and was purpose-built as a care facility. The sale of a former Stirling care home has been approved by the council, with plans now in place to tranform it into a new residential development. It comes after a 'marketing exercise' that saw multiple bids place on the building. Stirling Council sanctioned the sale of the former Beech Gardens care home, off Polmaise Road in Torbrex. It sits within the boundaries of the listed Batterflatts House and was custom-built as a care facility. During a recent council meeting, it was agreed that Urban Nest Scotland Ltd should be named as the favoured bidder, with plans to repurpose the site into a private residential development while honouring the conservation area's distinct heritage. Located near Batterflatts House and a children's nursery, the property has been unoccupied since the opening of the Stirling Care Village and was briefly used again during the Covid pandemic before reverting to council ownership. Cllr Gerry McGarvey, Leader of Stirling Council, this week said: "The sale of Beech Gardens will unlock the potential of a site that has served the community in different ways over the years. "This carefully considered disposal will not only help reduce the council's property holding costs but also enable new housing opportunities within a sensitive and historically significant location. "This outcome not only ensures best value for the public but also helps meet Stirling's future housing needs in a sustainable, community-focused way." In a report tabled before councillors at the special meeting, officials said: 'Since the pandemic, the property has attracted interest from several parties, from within the council, and a formal asset transfer request was subsequently withdrawn. 'Current running costs for 2024-2025 were £32,953, which includes £11,641 of rates, £6,404 standing charges on utilities, and £14,908 on security. 'An external marketing agent was appointed to market several council-owned surplus properties and development sites, including Beech Gardens.' The report added: 'Given its position as the most financially advantageous and that it is not subject to any suspensive conditions, it is recommended that Urban Nest Scotland Limited's offer be taken forward as the preferred bidder. 'Urban Nest Scotland Ltd proposes to develop the site for private housing and is in a position to progress with the conclusion of missives on the council approval. 'Urban Nest has held initial discussions with the Planning team regarding their development plans. 'This disposal will result in the release of the property, the achievement of the capital receipt, and the reduction of revenue budget pressure in this fiscal year.' In 2009, Beech Gardens became the focal point of a local campaign aimed at preventing its closure amid threatened council cuts. The vigorous campaign initially saved it from the axe, but over time its use diminished and it served as respite care accommodation for a while. At the closing date in March, there were five offers received, ranging from £150,000 to £500,000. Two offers had no suspensive conditions, or the offer was unconditional. Two offers were subject to either condition surveys or title and site services investigations. One offer was subject to obtaining satisfactory funding. Beech Gardens was one of several surplus sites marketed as part of the council's proactive approach to support delivery of a more efficient, sustainable property portfolio in line with national guidance on public sector asset management.
Daily Record
10-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Restoration work begins in Stirling on historic Victorian villa destroyed in fire
The first phase of restoration works at the 19th century Victorian villa - which was gutted by fire back in March last year - is now underway. Efforts to restore a derelict 19th century Victorian villa within the grounds of Stirling Council's Old Viewforth headquarters have commenced, following its devastation by fire last year. The first phase of restoration works at Langgarth House are now underway following the fire back in March last year - which caused extensive damage to the building. The initial stage of works commenced in late May to secure and salvage key elements of the building while removing parts that have been damaged beyond repair. The works, being overseen by specialist advisors, will allow officers to fully assess the building to protect the remaining fabric of the building and structural elements. It's estimated that this phase of work will take place over 18 weeks and will be funded entirely by insurance monies. Langgarth House is included within the Viewforth Masterplan which is being marketed for future development following approval by Councillors which was granted in October last year. Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: "Everyone in Stirling cherishes our remarkable built heritage and I'm pleased to see work underway to preserve and make safe as much of the historic Lanngarth House building as possible. Every effort will be made to ensure that key features of the building are retained as part of the work. "It's entirely right that this building should be retained as part of the redevelopment of the Viewforth site and I look forward to seeing work progress in the coming weeks." The derelict category B-listed building was engulfed in flames as fiore crews battled through the night to bring it under control. Fortunately, nobody was injured in the incident, which caused extensive damage, including to part of the roof and upper floor. Two teenagers appeared in court in connection with the fire. The then Stirling MP Alyn Smith Stirlingdescribed the fire as a "sad sight" and also thanked police and firefighters who attended. The B-listed property, built in 1897, most recently was used as council offices along with the now demolished New Viewforth and Old Viewforth, the current headquarters of Stirling Council. However, forseveral yearsit has been included in the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland, which highlights properties of architectural orhistoric meritthroughout the country that are considered to be at risk or under threat. Langgarth was vacated in 2009 and has been marketed for sale and lease by Stirling Council on various occasions since. Langgarth was labelled 'at risk' in 2012, but while monitored by the council since, the uncertainty of future use of the wider Viewforth site - including years discussing the controversial and now defunctViewforth Link Road - hinderedprogress in successfully securing any potential new owners or leaseholders. In the months before the fire, councillors had been reviewing detailed options for the disposal of the wider Viewforth site, which would see the authority retain and refurbish its headquarters at Old Viewforth. At a full council meeting a month prior, chief operating officer for infrastructure and environment Brian Roberts had confirmed that Langgarth would be part of a disposal strategy for the whole site being brought forward to a council meeting in June.
