McArthur reacts to forthcoming cruise ship consultation findings 

Orkney's MSP Liam McArthur has today received confirmation that the Scottish Government will publish the findings of its cruise-ship passenger levy consultation next week.

Speaking during portfolio questions, Mr McArthur pressed the Finance Minister, Ivan McKee on when the findings of the consultation would be released, nearly 8 months after the consultation closed.

The consultation included proposals for a point-of-entry visitor levy, which island local authorities, including Orkney, alongside local tourism bodies have argued is the most workable and equitable approach to applying any sort of visitor levy in island communities.

Commenting after the exchange, Mr McArthur said:

"For months, I have been pressing the Scottish Government to publish responses to its consultation. Without that detail, island authorities are left in limbo, unable to make any decisions about any future visitor levy.

"I welcome the Minister's confirmation that the findings will be published next week, although the delay means that no meaningful preparatory work can be done now ahead of the election in May.  

“It will be important, therefore, that any incoming government engages quickly and meaningfully with the local councils and tourism groups in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles to agree a suitable way forward.

“I look forward to reading the findings of the consultation next week, and will continue to do all I can to ensure any proposals taken forward are in line with the needs and circumstances of our island communities".