It is rightly regarded as a jewel in Scotland’s crown. But something appears to be seriously amiss in the Scottish tourism industry.

Visitors flocked to Scotland in their droves over the summer, especially to Edinburgh , which was packed full in August as Oasis and AC/DC hit the city and the Festival Fringe drew its customary crowds. Yet, look closer, and you will find an industry in tumult.

A major survey published by the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) last week revealed a sector that is reeling from one cost blow after another, with serious concerns that things were going to get even worse after yesterday’s Budget (on which more later).

Rising operating costs (59%) and taxation (50%) were cited by the survey as the biggest threats to profitability across the sector, with weakenin

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