Isles authorities seek bids for visitor levy scheme feasibility contract

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

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 bepotential 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 contractvalue ofup to a maximum of £60,000, states thatequal time be allocatedto work for each of the three island authorities.