Scottish campsites are raising concerns over planned business rates revaluations set to take effect from April 2026, amid warnings in the Scottish Parliament about significant increases in rateable values for some sites.
The Scottish Government’s revaluation programme will update rateable values, which determine the non-domestic rates businesses must pay. Industry campaigners have reported that some campsites have been informed their rateable values could double or triple, prompting worries about the sustainability of seasonal operations.
During a debate at Holyrood, Douglas Ross MSP highlighted a small campsite in Moray facing a sharp increase in its rateable value, from £11,000 to £30,000. Ross said the change could threaten the campsite’s viability, quoting the business:
“They are saying that a rateable value of £30,000 will unfortunately, make the business completely unviable. and we will need to look at closing.” He also noted that similar pressures could affect other businesses across Scotland.
In comments to Out & About Live, Ross expanded on the potential impact on small tourism businesses, stating: “The revaluation scheme is going to have a devastating effect on many of the small businesses I represent and others right across Scotland.”
According to Out&AboutLive, campsites already face rising operational costs, including energy, staffing, insurance, and maintenance. Industry representatives have highlighted that smaller, rural sites are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on short peak seasons.
Ross emphasized the timing of the proposed increases, adding: “The last thing this campsite and many others needed at a time when they are already being taxed to the hilt was a huge increase in their bills.”
The Scottish Government has announced additional support for businesses in its most recent budget, but critics argue that this may not fully address the scale of the proposed increases. Ross commented: “The money announced in the recent SNP budget will barely touch the sides in terms of allowing businesses like this to stay afloat for much longer, and ultimately jobs are at risk as a result.”
The revaluation is currently scheduled to take effect in April 2026. Industry campaigners are calling for a review or pause of the changes, highlighting the need for ministers to consider the specific circumstances of tourism and outdoor leisure businesses.
Campsite owners are advised to monitor proposed rateable values closely and participate in consultations or appeals where available, as the issue is now formally under parliamentary scrutiny.
This development underscores the importance for campsite operators and other seasonal tourism businesses to plan proactively for potential rate increases and consider their broader impact on operational sustainability.