Following various comments that the proposed visitor levy, widely referred to as the tourist tax, is in effect a tax on tax, a Highland MSP has suggested that local residents should be exempt from paying the charge.
As the levy would be subject to VAT, a range of hospitality businesses have claimed it will put a number of small accommodation providers over the VAT threshold, and some may give up their business. MSP Douglas Ross has added to the criticism by pointing out that many people from the Highland region require to stay overnight when attending hospital appointments in Inverness and he considers that they should not have to pay the levy if it is imposed by the Highland Council.
NatureScot, along with Transport Scotland and Traffic Scotland, has launched a new road safety campaign warning motorists to look out for roe deer on the roads. Young roe deer spread out at this time of year to look for their own territories and collisions between deer and vehicles generally increase, with dusk the period of highest risk.
Drivers are advised to slow down particularly in peak times, to use full beam headlights after dark but dipping if a deer or other animal is seen. Any deer collision should be reported to the police with drivers advised not to approach a deer which is injured as it may be dangerous.
The Highland Council has launched phase 2 of a public consultation on how Community Councils across the Highlands are created and governed and is keen to hear views from Community Councils and the wider public on its proposals.
Full details including a summary of recent amendments can be found on the Council website with comment boxes for anyone wishing to provide feedback. The consultation runs till 13th August.
Following an incident at the end of last week’s first leg playoff match between Livingston and Ross County when a spectator allegedly spat in the face of County’s assistant manager Carl Tremarco, Livingston football club have banned the individual in question from attending its stadium for life and have called upon the ban to be extended to all clubs in Scotland.
The club confirmed it had worked with its supporters to identify the person involved and have passed the details on to the police.
