Further delay to Argyll and Bute tourist tax plans

Argyll and Bute Council will continue to delay plans for a "tourist tax" on overnight stays while a new bill on the legislation is considered.

The Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill will allow local councils to charge those arriving in the area a fixed sum rather than a percentage rate for their visit if it passes in the Scottish Parliament.

The council was considering a 5% charge prior to a previous pause in September last year.

But its introduction will now be delayed further until the outcome of the bill is known.

It is hoped the amendment will be in place by the end of the current parliamentary term.

Argyll and Bute Council previously ran a 12-week public consultation on a proposed 5% levy.

It found that 57% of more than 3,300 respondents did not support the charge and 52% said there should be a cap on the number of nights that it should be paid.

A further report will be presented to the council in April.

The council's executive director, Kirsty Flanagan, said an additional report could be presented in June if the new legislation has passed.

The proposed legislation will also allow councils to set a range of fixed amounts, such as for different geographical locations, times of year or types of accommodation.

Councils will also be able to apply the levy on a per person per night or a per-night basis.

It does not mean that every council area has to introduce the charge.

Reporting by Local Democracy Reporting Service reporter Andrew Galloway.