By Giancarlo Rinaldi

Copyright bbc

“There is no over-tourism problem in Dumfries and Galloway,” he said.

He said supporters often cited cities like Barcelona and Venice and suggested that a “nominal fee” did not put people off.

However, he said they benefitted from lower rates of VAT than the UK which made the levy “more palatable”.

“This levy is just a further increase in taxation and makes our region needlessly more expensive,” he said.

“Once a tourism levy is in place, one thing is certain. It will be here to stay and the rate or percentage will only ever increase.

“Business rates and VAT – paid by guests and business – should be ample funding for local government without hammering struggling businesses in the region with an additional tax.”