The Scottish Government’s Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill that would have forced marinas and other mooring providers to charge a levy on visitor accommodation — including mooring and berthing for boats — has now been amended.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, concerns were raised among Scotland’s marine tourism and leisure sector over the potential impact of the draft legislation, which had “boat moorings or berthings” alongside hotels, camping sites and B&Bs as types of accommodation where the Visitor Levy would have to be charged.

After their appeals were heard by Holyrood in January this year, the amendment was made official on Tuesday (12 March).

Sarah Kennedy, chair of British Marine Scotland said: “We appreciate all the support we have received to help bring about this change, most especially from the Cross Party Group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism and its convenor, Stuart McMillan MSP, who tabled the critical amendment.”

British Marine chief executive Lesley Robinson added: “This is a great example of how important it is for government to engage with industry to fully understand its complexities and ensure legislation is as pro-business as possible.

“We are grateful that, in this case, the minister heeded our warnings and I hope this will prove helpful to any other government considering introducing similar legislation.”

The Bill, as amended on 12 March, will now proceed through its final parliamentary stage.

The Scottish Government has confirmed that changes will be made to the proposed Visitor Levy Bill, in a move welcomed by marine tourism stakeholders.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the bill had proposed giving powers to local authorities in Scotland to decide whether to charge a levy on visitor accommodation — including mooring and berthing for boats — in their respective areas.

Following concerns raised by marine tourism providers around the potential impact of such a levy, the bill will now move to Stage 2 with an exemption for boat moorings and berthings unless they are permanently moored and used for accommodation.

The move has been welcomed by RYA Scotland, British Marine and several marine tourism stakeholders, as well as the Parliamentary Committee leading on the bill.

RYA Scotland adds that it’s hoped this change will come as a relief to mooring providers, including small businesses and voluntary organisations, in Scottish waters.

The RYA website has more on the story HERE.