Decision on Highland tourist tax expected in December

Highland Council says its visitor numbers have been rising over the last 10 years and reached 8.4 million in 2023

Recommendations on the introduction of a "tourist tax" in the Highlands are expected to go before councillors in December.

Highland Council has consulted on a 5% levy on holiday accommodation which it says could generate at least £10m a year for the region.

Officials have been analysing more than 4,000 responses to the consultation, which closed in March.

Cairngorm, Caithness, Lochaber and Inverness chambers of commerce have raised concerns, saying the extra cost could put visitors off coming to the Highlands.

A report to next week's meeting of Highland Council said recommendations "for the way forward" would be put to councillors for consideration in December.

Scottish local authorities were given powers to introduce a visitor levy on overnight accommodation in September last year.

Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow councils have already agreed to introduce the tax, while several councils - including Orkney and Shetland - have rejected the idea.

Western Isles local authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, has put its plans to develop a tourist tax for the islands on hold.

Highland Council said its visits to region have been rising over the last 10 years and in 2023 visitor numbers reached 8.4 million.