Scotland weighs local cruise ship levy powers
The Scottish Government is considering allowing councils to charge cruise ships calling at their ports, as Inverclyde seeks more funding for tourism and infrastructure.
The Scottish Government is examining whether councils should be given authority to introduce levies on cruise ships docking at local ports. No commitment has been made to pass the required legislation before the next election.
The proposal could affect Greenock, where more than 70 cruise ships are expected to call this year. Local leaders view a levy as a potential source of money for infrastructure and services supporting tourism.
Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe said revenue from a cruise ship levy was needed to fund investment across Inverclyde and strengthen the area’s tourism offering.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth indicated that she was prepared to continue discussions with Mr McMillan about the proposal. However, she stopped short of pledging that cruise levy legislation would be introduced before the election.