Group reveals opposition to tourist tax

LOCKERBIE Community Council are the latest group to come out against proposals for a tourist tax in Dumfries and Galloway. The idea met with fiery opposition at their meeting on Tuesday night. And a letter has now been sent to the leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council setting out their opposition to the plan. In a statement, the community council said: “We strongly oppose the introduction of a Transient Visitor Levy (TVL), commonly referred to as a “tourist tax.” “This proposal is ill-suited to the economic realities of our region. Unlike urban centres such as Edinburgh or Glasgow, Dumfries and Galloway’s visitor economy is rural, seasonal, and price-sensitive. It thrives on affordability, family-run businesses, and repeat tourism — not high-margin city breaks.” And they pointed out that such a levy would increase costs for both visitors and residents, including those attending weddings, family events, or overnight stays linked to healthcare; divert tourism to neighbouring areas where no such levy exists; threaten the viability of small businesses; and risk significant job losses in hospitality and its supply chain. They went on: “This is not a progressive policy for Dumfries and Galloway. It is a regressive burden on communities that rely on tourism to survive. “Rather than penalising visitors, we should be investing in infrastructure, marketing, and support for local hospitality and retail.” Community councillors are also urging the council and the Scottish Government to pause the proposal pending a full rural impact assessment; engage meaningfully with community councils, businesses, and residents and explore alternative funding mechanisms. “Dumfries and Galloway needs support — not a new tax,” they added.