First steps to introduce tourist tax in West Dunbartonshire

The Visitor Levy Forum has been set up to help steer the discussion on how the local authority will implement the new charge which could generate up to £1.7 million in its first year.

From July 1, 2027, any visitor taking an overnight stay in accommodation including hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses, self-catering units, caravan parks and campsites will have to fork out an extra 5% on top of their bill.

In West Dunbartonshire, the visitor levy will apply to those who have booked their stay on or after October 1, 2026.

It will encompass, Balloch, Alexandria, Dumbarton, Clydebank and parts of Loch Lomond.

At the end of last year, the council formally advised the Scottish Government of its intention to introduce the scheme which hopes to reinvest the funds into local communities to enhance facilities and services, directly benefitting those who live and work in the area.

In November 2025, members of the Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development (IRED) committee voted in favour of introducing the fee which will apply to overnight stays in eligible accommodation such as hotels, guest houses, self-catering units, caravan parks and campsites.

Audrey Calder, Marketing and Events Manager at Loch Lomond Shores, has been appointed chair of the forum.

A new local tourism strategy will be developed alongside the introduction of the levy and will be available to the council when considering future investment decisions.

Councillor David McBride, convener of IRED, said: “Introducing a Visitor Levy provides a sustainable way to address the impact of visitors on the local communities.

"The proposed charges are in line with what many of us pay when we travel abroad. This income will allow us to improve facilities, protect our environment and ensure visitors and locals alike continue to enjoy all that West Dunbartonshire has to offer.”

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, vice convener of IRED, said: “We value all feedback received as part of our extensive consultation on this matter, and this was considered in our decision-making process alongside all other evidence.

“We are confident its introduction in 2027 will support the long-term sustainability of our area and its communities.”

It follows two consultations on the matter, alongside public drop in events and engagement sessions focused on gathering the views of the tourism industry. Feedback was also sought from external organisations like Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, Visit Scotland, the Association of Scotland’s Self-caterers, Love Loch Lomond, Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses.

All feedback received was considered alongside evidence of how a levy could benefit the area before a decision was made. Following notification to the Scottish Government, the Council proceeded to establish a Visitor Levy Forum, bringing together accommodation providers, tourism organisations, community representatives, council officers and elected members to advise on the scheme.

Economic forecasting predicts that the levy will deliver substantial benefits for the area, generating an estimated £8.5million over five years to sustain and support services and facilities in West Dunbartonshire.