SNP MSP Jack Middleton has written to King Charles requesting confirmation on whether he will pay significantly increased council tax on two royal residences in Scotland.
The Aberdeen Central representative said he contacted the monarch “in good faith” regarding Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Aberdeenshire Council imposed a 200% premium on second homes at the beginning of September, effectively tripling the standard council tax rate for affected property owners.
Edinburgh City Council is set to go further still, with a 300% premium on second properties.
SNP MSP Jack Middleton has written to King Charles requesting confirmation on whether he will pay significantly increased council tax on two royal residences in Scotland.
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The policy enabling councils to levy these higher charges was designed to tackle Scotland’s “housing emergency” by boosting housing availability and ensuring homes are used as primary residences rather than for occasional stays, according to Mr Middleton.
In his letter to the King, Mr Middleton spelt out the practical consequences for each residence.
He wrote: “From September 1 2026, Aberdeenshire Council has introduced a 200% council tax premium on second homes.
“This means that Balmoral Castle, one of your multiple homes away from your permanent residence at Clarence House, should be charged three times the standard rate of council tax.”
In his letter to the King, Mr Middleton spelt out the practical consequences for each residence.
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Regarding the capital, the MSP added: “On top of this, The City of Edinburgh Council will introduce a 300% Council Tax premium on second homes.
“Holyroodhouse should therefore soon be charged four times the standard rate.”
Mr Middleton told the monarch he would be “hugely grateful” for confirmation that the elevated rates were being applied to both properties.
The MSP also raised the Scottish Government’s proposed “mansion tax” in his correspondence.
Under the plans, two additional council tax bands would be established for properties valued above £1 million.
Mr Middleton noted that Balmoral is estimated to be worth approximately £50 million, whilst Holyroodhouse carries a valuation “closer to £60 million,” placing both firmly within the scope of any such reform.
A public consultation on the proposals closed on August 24, and Mr Middleton asked Charles whether he had “had the opportunity to contribute to the consultation” before that deadline.
The combined effect of the second home premiums and the potential mansion tax could see the Crown facing substantially higher bills for maintaining its Scottish residences.
