Alistair Carmichael, MP for the Northern Isles, will use  National B&B day, Saturday 24 March, to renew his calls for a cut in VAT on the tourism industry. The day, which has been organised by the Bed and Breakfast Association, is a reminder of the role B&Bs play in rural, island  and coastal communities.  As part of the day, Mr. Carmichael will visit two B&Bs in Orkney to speak and listen to their owners about the challenges and benefits of running a B&B.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Carmichael said:

“B&Bs play an important role in our communities where tourism is an ever more important part of the local economy. I know in Orkney and Shetland we have many fantastic B&Bs and I look forward to visiting two of them.

“National B&B day is an opportunity to reflect on the great work our local B&Bs do. There is more that Government could do to help the industry to thrive. A cut in VAT from 20% to 5% for tourism businesses could make our B&Bs more competitive and could also ensure that people who open their home to guests, get to keep more of their money to invest in their businesses.  A recent study showed that even though the rate of VAT was to be cut the actual amount of money coming in to Treasury would remain the same.”