Glasgow gives go-ahead for 'tourist tax' on visitors

Visitors to Glasgow will be charged an average of £4.83 per night extra for accommodation after councillors approved a new "tourist tax" for the city.The visitor levy, which is due to come into force in January 2027, will charge 5% on overnight stays. It comes after Edinburgh councillors approved a similar charge in January and will cover hotels, hostels, guest houses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation.The local authority hopes to raise around £16m per year via the tax, which it says will go towards infrastructure improvements and events in the city.
Where is a tourist tax charged?
Several other regions in Scotland are looking at similar plans, with proposals from Highland and Argyll and Bute council.This week Comhairle nan Eilean Siar paused plans to introduce a similar visitor levy, following strong public opposition and concerns.South Ayrshire Council also abandoned plans for a tourist tax in the region, as only 15% of respondents in a public consultation supported the proposal compared to 79% against.Glasgow accommodation providers would be liable for the levy and required to submit quarterly reports - with potential penalties for non-compliant organisations. Businesses would retain 1.5% of the funds collected to cover their own costs.Report by Sarah Hilley at the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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Highland-wide holiday lets control zone proposed by councillors

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Telegraph

4 hours ago

• Telegraph

The 10 best British holidays for people who hate the heat

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Shoot the sea breeze on the Shetland Islands Summers on Britain's most northerly outpost are short, cool and breezy – ideal for the heat-averse, and for exploring the archipelago on foot. A wealth of wildlife likes to over-summer here too, so look for whales and dolphins as you stroll at Sumburgh Head, spot great skuas on the cliffs as you round the Ness of Hillswick, and see puffins up close on the isles of Yell and Unst – as far north as it's possible to go. Ramble Worldwide (01707 331133; rambleworldwide) offers a seven-night guided Shetland trip from £2,009 per person, half board, including flights from Glasgow; departing July 5, August 9 and September 6 and 20 2025. 2. Take the posh plunge in Shropshire What's cooler than staying in a stately home? Especially one with its own Georgian plunge pool. Salwey Lodge, near Ludlow, was built in the 1740s and has remained in the Salwey family ever since. Now it welcomes guests. 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Former minister with links to Qatar's royal family buys 'Eton of the North' private school

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