Wednesday October 28th 2026
East Lothian Council headquarters
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
East Lothian Council has agreed to commission an independent review of its proposed visitor levy, with further research to be carried out before a decision is made on whether to introduce the scheme.
Councillors voted unanimously to approve the next stage of work at a meeting this week, agreeing to assess all available options, including not introducing a levy.
The decision follows a 12-week consultation on a draft Visitor Levy Scheme, which was agreed by the council in June 2026.
The consultation gathered views from businesses, communities and other stakeholders, with concerns raised about the potential economic and practical impact of the proposals, particularly on accommodation providers.
Councillors agreed that further evidence should be gathered and that an independent review of the work already carried out should be commissioned, alongside additional economic analysis.
Councillor John McMillan, the council’s spokesperson for environment, economic development and tourism, said it was important to ensure any scheme was appropriate for East Lothian and delivered clear benefits.
He said: “East Lothian has a thriving visitor economy with outstanding natural and cultural attractions, vibrant towns and communities and businesses that make an important contribution to our local economy.
“A Visitor Levy offers the potential to generate significant additional investment in the infrastructure, facilities and services that support tourism, enhance the visitor experience and benefit our local communities.
“This is an opportunity to invest in the long-term sustainability of East Lothian as a visitor destination, supporting local businesses and helping ensure that residents and visitors alike benefit from a successful visitor economy.”
However, Councillor McMillan said the council needed to ensure any levy was robust, supported economic growth and did not place an undue burden on accommodation providers.
He added: “We have heard a wide range of views through the consultation, particularly from businesses concerned about the potential economic and practical impacts.
“I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to contribute. Their experience and feedback are important in helping us develop our approach.
“We recognise that there are other voices and perspectives we need to hear and will continue to engage with communities and other stakeholders as this work progresses.”
An amendment proposed by Councillor McIntosh was passed by 16 votes to four. It requires the review to consider Community Wealth Building principles and assess the potential benefits of a visitor levy against the objectives of the council’s plan.
These include growing the local economy through sustainable and inclusive growth, improving outcomes for children and protecting vulnerable and older people, strengthening communities and ensuring public services are delivered effectively within limited resources.
A separate amendment from Councillor Findlay was rejected. It called for the external review and the Place Based Assessment already under way to include an assessment of the levy’s potential economic impact on East Lothian’s tourism sector, including gross value added (GVA) with and without the levy.
Councillors were told that an assessment of economic impact was already included in the Place Based Assessment.
A further report will be brought before the council at a later date, bringing together the findings of the independent review and the council’s assessment work.
It will set out the options available, recommendations and any further consultation requirements before a decision is taken on whether to introduce a visitor levy in East Lothian.
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