Island tourist chiefs slam msp"s motorhome tax plan

They said it was “wholly unacceptable to suggest that we want to tax any of our visitors before they come here on holiday”. Earlier this week, SNP MSP Alasdair Allan asked the Government to

consider a “motorhome levy” to help islanders better handle increased vehicle numbers. He said the number of holidaymakers travelling to the Outer Hebrides in motorhomes has “shot up”

tenfold in a decade, clogging-up ferries and causing infrastructure problems. Mr Allan said the tourism was welcome, but that the isles lacked “suitable sites” and waste disposal points.

However, Outer Hebrides Tourism (OHT) yesterday said the campers on wheels are worth £2million per year to the local economy. A study conducted this summer by OHT found motor-home visitors

spent an average of just under £500 per trip on food, drink, fuel, goods, arts, crafts and meals during an average seven-day stay. OHT added that tourism contributes over £50million to the

economy annually and sustains more than 1,000 businesses. The body said: “It is an enormously successful industry and critical to the islands’ financial sustainability. We are renowned for

our people, landscape, hospitality and the warmth of our welcome. “It is completely ill-advised for our MSP to suggest we impose a tax on these visitors – his proposal would put at risk an

annual spend of £2million and the financial stability of our islands. “Motorhome visitors are highly flexible in their holiday plans, so are most likely to choose another destination in the

face of discriminatory taxes or levies.” A spokesman for Transport Scotland said: “We’re aware there have been some challenges for those wishing to travel to and from island communities.

“Along with operators, we will continue to monitor Scotland’s ferry services and frequently review service provision to and from the islands, including all options in regard to demand

management measures.”