Politics · 24 July 2026

Edinburgh now charges overnight visitors a 5% tax from Friday

Edinburgh has become the first Scottish city to introduce a tourist tax, adding 5% to accommodation costs from Friday. The charge is capped at five nights and hopes to raise about £50m each year for city improvements like housing and policing. The tax applies to those staying in hotels, self-catering lets, and even houseboats, but not day-trippers.

By BriefTea Editorial · 24 July 2026 at 5:54

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