Stirling Council’s approved draft visitor levy scheme for Stirling will enter a formal public consultation process on 14 July, lasting until 12 October 2025. Residents, businesses, and visitors can have their say on the proposed scheme by completing a 15-minute online survey.
The results from the 12-week consultation will be used to inform the final plans of the visitor levy scheme for Stirling. Councillors will then vote on implementation in December 2025.
If approved, Stirling Council suggest that the levy could be invested in improving local infrastructure (public toilets, sustainable public transport), destination development (promoting Stirling’s history and heritage), events and culture (distinctive events calendar), and business support and skills.
The current draft has been put together following previous feedback in early March from residents, visitors, and businesses, after Stirling Council committed to a year of community consultation and engagement regarding the visitor levy. Currently, 57 per cent of Stirling residents and 75 per cent of community groups are in support of the visitor levy.
Stirling draws visitors to the city from across the world. Stirling Castle alone, looked after by Historic Environment Scotland, is currently welcoming up to 3000 visitors per day during peak season. Visitors are encouraged to explore the entire city by the recent introduction of the Stirling City Pass, which grants holders access to top attractions (Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, Stirling Old Town Jail, Stirling Distillery, Church of the Holy Rude) for £37.
Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act
The levy proposal comes after the Scottish Parliament passed the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act in May 2024, providing authorities with the ability to charge visitors a set percentage rate on overnight stays.
A visitor levy is paid by tourists and visitors who are staying for a short amount of time in paid accommodation, such as hotels or Airbnb. The money gathered from the levy must be invested in local facilities and services that are for/used by tourists.
Stirling is following both Edinburgh and Glasgow in potentially implementing a visitor levy. Edinburgh Council has agreed to introduce a 5 per cent visitor levy on city stays under six nights, coming into effect in June 2026. Glasgow Council follow closely, as a visitor levy is expected to begin in early 2027, alongside Argyll and Bute Council, who are currently consulting on visitor levy proposals of 5 per cent.
There is no limitation on the percentage rate of a visitor levy; however, Stirling Council has proposed a 5 per cent levy, in line with Edinburgh and Glasgow Councils. This is subject to change as a result of the forthcoming formal public consultation.
Cllr Gerry McGarvey, Stirling Council Leader, commented that:
“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.”
Further details of the draft Stirling levy can be found here, alongside further information on how to contribute to the period of consultation and have your say in shaping the future of Stirling.
You can keep up-to-date with Brig’s News section here.
Featured Image Credit: Alice Pollard
Journalism student at the University of Stirling & BRAW Magazine editor 24/25 and 25/26 🙂
You can see my portfolio here: https://www.clippings.me/alicepollard
