Minister publicly challenges SNP colleague on Edinburgh tourist tax

The Tourism Secretary has publicly rebuked the SNP leader of Edinburgh council over plans to introduce a tourist tax in the city.

Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop delivered a slap-down to party colleague councillor Adam McVey on Twitter over proposals for a "transient visitor levy'' in the capital.

Research by the City of Edinburgh Council found a charge of #1 per person per night for hotels, B&Bs and Airbnb accommodation could generate more than #11 million a year for the city.

But before it can be introduced, Scottish ministers will have to be persuaded to hand over the necessary power to the council.

On Twitter, Mr McVey said: "In the next 12 months our plans for a 'tourist tax' will be ready for implementation.

"While it may take longer to deliver the powers necessary to start collecting, our timeline is robust and we'll be ready to go!''

Ms Hyslop, who is currently on a visit to Japan, responded by tweeting a series of question marks, adding: "So let's be clear - you have no shared plans, no tourist business consultation and no agreement with the Scottish Gov.''

Mr McVey replied: "Initial plans agreed by Council, in process of business engagement and no agreement with ScotGov (yet).''

Plans for a tourist tax are opposed by the Scottish Conservatives, who described the Twitter exchange as an "embarrassing split right at the top of the SNP''.

Tourism spokeswoman Rachael Hamilton MSP said: "In full public view, the nationalist tourism secretary is slapping down the SNP leader of Scotland's capital city.

"We don't agree with Adam McVey that Edinburgh - or anywhere else - should introduce a tourist tax.

"Businesses in that sector are already taxed far too much, and this move would only jeopardise these firms and the jobs they support.'