Stirling tourist tax plans are approved

Plans for a 'tourist tax' were given the green light by councillors during a full meeting of Stirling Council yesterday.

- STUART MCFARLANE

During the discussion, the SNP administration backed a move for a three per cent levy, with Stirling East councillor Gerry McLaughlan speaking in support.

He said the consultation process had been “exhaustive” and said there had been support for the idea of a levy within the business community.

Cllr McLaughlan also labelled the levy crucial for kick-starting economic growth in Stirling and insisted the money would be “ring-fenced” to be spent locally.

He added: “The option of doing nothing is not there.

“We have a real story to tell and a great selling point in Stirling; there is far more going for us here than other places in the UK, so we should be thriving, but a lack of money has really hamstrung our efforts.”

The introduction of visitor levies has been an area of debate all over Scotland, with a leading tourism trade body urging Stirling Council to hold off on the plans to avoid causing confusion for local venues.