Isles authorities seek bids for visitor levy scheme feasibility contract

Orkney Islands Council, Shetland Islands Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are jointly seeking to commission a consultant to investigate the feasibility of a visitor levy scheme for each of the island's authorities. 

An invitation to tender to provide the contract is now live on the Public Contracts Scotland website  View notice - Public Contracts Scotland. 

Following an appointment, it is anticipated that work will get underway in January 2025. 

In September 2024, Orkney Islands Council committed to investigate the feasibility of a visitor levy scheme for Orkney when it was also recognised that there could be potential savings through joint working with other island authorities. 

A formal engagement process with local communities, tourism businesses and organisations and other stakeholders will take place over the winter months to understand potential impacts and help shape the design of a future scheme if progressed. 

A cost-benefit analysis – measuring the benefits of a scheme versus the associated costs – will also be undertaken. The findings of the feasibility investigations will then be presented to Councillors to inform a decision on whether to follow other councils in introducing a visitor levy. 

The contract value of up to a maximum of £60,000, states that equal time be allocated to work for each of the three island authorities.

You’ll find key information about the legislation, the process so far and the next steps on our dedicated web page. The page also contains a number of frequently asked questions and links to related external sites