Wednesday October 21st 2026
Gullane Beach
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
East Lothian Council is set to consider the next steps for a proposed visitor levy, following a public consultation that received 530 responses.
A report to councillors on Tuesday, October 27, sets out the findings of the consultation on a draft scheme and recommends further assessment of its potential economic, social and community impacts.
Councillors are not being asked to approve the introduction of a visitor levy at this stage.
The council approved the draft scheme for public consultation in June 2026, following earlier engagement with businesses, organisations and individuals in autumn 2025.
The proposals would introduce a 5% levy on accommodation charges across East Lothian throughout the year, with no cap on the number of nights charged.
Net proceeds would be used to invest in visitor-related facilities and services, with the council considering the levy as a potential way to address pressures on local infrastructure and support the long-term sustainability of the area’s tourism sector.
A 12-week consultation ran from June 26 to September 18, seeking views on the proposed levy’s objectives, design, exemptions, use of proceeds, governance and implementation.
Alongside the 530 responses to the online survey, an independent organisation analysed submissions and carried out 22 in-depth interviews with businesses. Council staff also held discussions with accommodation providers, tourism representatives and community organisations.
The consultation highlighted a range of concerns and differing views on the proposed scheme, which the council says require further investigation before decisions can be made.
Economic and commercial concerns included the potential effects on visitor demand, business competitiveness, profitability, employment and future investment.
The report notes that impacts could vary between business types and visitor markets, including price-sensitive family holidays, quieter periods of the year and longer work-related stays.
If councillors agree to the next phase of work, the council would consolidate its emerging assessment and commission an independent review of the potential impacts of introducing a levy.
The review would compare different scheme options with the position without a levy and realistic alternative funding approaches.
It would examine financial estimates, potential changes in visitor numbers and spending, business performance and employment, the administrative costs for accommodation providers, and how the benefits of any investment could be distributed and when they might be realised.
A further report would then be brought to councillors, setting out the independent review, the council’s assessment, possible scheme options and recommendations, alongside any requirements for further consultation.
The full report is available on East Lothian Council’s website.
Tweet Share on Facebook
