Aberdeen City Council could soon have the power to impose a levy on cruise ships docking in the city under new proposals being looked at by SNP ministers.
The Granite City has enjoyed roaring success as a cruise stop since the south harbour expansion made visits possible, with groups of tourists a common sight in the city centre leaving rave reviews.
And now, The Times reports, ministers are eyeing up plans to let local authorities impose a levy on the tourist boats.
A consultation on the proposals is set to open.
The Visitor Levy Act was passed by the Scottish parliament last year, which allows councils to add tax on certain overnight stays.
Aberdeen is in the process of consulting on a 7% visitor levy, often referred to as a "tourist tax", but this does not cover cruise ships.
Now, there is set to be a consultation on giving councils the powers to introduce a levy specific to cruise ships.
The finance secretary Shona Robison said: “The tourism sector is a crucially important part of the Scottish economy and cruise visits are increasing. The consultation will help to inform the Scottish government’s decision over whether or not to bring forward legislation and it is really important that we hear from a wide variety of voices on this matter.
“Last year, we held events to hear the views of the cruise ship industry, local government and others. We want to continue the helpful dialogue which started at those events, and explore further what a cruise ship levy could mean in a Scottish context.”