McArthur calls for exemption to visitor levy for medical appointments  

Liam McArthur, Orkney’s MSP has today expressed disappointment that an amendment to the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill which would require an exemption for anyone staying in overnight accommodation for the purposes of a medical appointment was defeated.  

The amendment was debated during Stage 3 proceedings this afternoon but was opposed by the Scottish Government.  

Speaking after the debate, Liam McArthur said: 

“Since the introduction of the Visitor Levy Act in 2024, I’ve been clear that in its current form it doesn’t reflect the needs of island communities. 

“The Act has already had to be updated due to problems arising from the lack of an ability to set fixed rate charges. While this has now been addressed, I’m disappointed that the opportunity to exempt those staying in overnight accommodation to attend medical appointments was passed up due to opposition from Ministers.  

“For many patients in Orkney, and those supporting them, overnight stays on the Scottish mainland is part and parcel of accessing health treatment. The government argues that local authorities will be able to exempt such accommodation on a discretionary basis, but that feels like an unacceptable lottery.  

“It may be the case that Aberdeen City Council recognises the need for an exemption given the large number of Northern Isles patients accessing NHS Grampian services. However, the same is unlikely to be true when it comes to other mainland authorities where travel by isles patients is less frequent but still essential.

"It really is unacceptable that patients, and those supporting them, should be surcharged for accessing lifeline health services. This is something that the next government will have to address to ensure islanders are not unfairly penalised.”