The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on the practicalities and operation of a cruise ship levy.
In 2024 1,000 cruise ships visited Scottish ports, bringing 1.2 million passengers – an increase of almost 400,000 per year compared with 2019.
Orkney is the top cruise ship destination for the whole of the UK and recently the local council considered introducing a cruise ship levy. A visitor levy is also being considered for those who stay overnight in Orkney.
Cruise ship visitor numbers Orkney
*subject to change
It was estimated in 2023 that the cruise industry in Orkney was worth £12-15 million annually to the local economy.
Although the national consultation has just opened The Scottish Government has already stated that it has no plans to introduce a nationwide cruise ship levy.
Finance Secretary in the Scottish Government Shona Robison said:
“The tourism sector is a crucially important part of the Scottish economy and cruise visits are increasing.
“The consultation will help to inform the Scottish Government’s decision over whether or not to bring forward legislation and it is really important that we hear from a wide variety of voices on this matter.
“Last year, we held events to hear the views of the cruise ship industry, local government, and others. We want to continue the helpful dialogue which started at those events, and explore further what a cruise ship levy could mean in a Scottish context.”
If a cruise ship levy was introduced it would be an additional finance raising option for local councils.
The five busiest ports in Scotland for cruise ship destinations are:
- Invergordon
- Orkney
- Edinburgh
- Lerwick
- Greenock
Click on this link to read further information and to respond to the consultation:
The consultation closes on 30 May 2025.
Historic Environment Scotland will be publishing its plan for the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Heart of Neolithic Orkney. It will include actions to mitigate the effects of over tourism in the busy sites it manages in Orkney. The Ring of Brodgar and the car park situated next to it will be one of the problems considered. Tour buses, especially on days when cruise liners visit, jam into the parking area. The Orkney News will publish a future article on that with opportunities for people to share their views on it too.
Fiona Grahame
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