Booking terms

• A 50% deposit is required to secure all private tours, multi-day journeys, and bespoke services unless otherwise stated.
• Deposits are non-refundable, reflecting the bespoke nature of private services and the exclusive reservation of time and availability.
• The remaining balance is due on the day of service, including any agreed extensions or additional services.
• Consultation services are payable in full at the time of booking.
• Accepted payment methods: website payment, bank transfer, cash, or PayPal (cash preferred where practical).
• Payment of a deposit confirms acceptance of the agreed scope, pricing, and these terms & conditions.

All Historic Orkney services are clearly defined before confirmation.

• Services are priced based on scope, duration, logistics, and preparation required.
• Where appropriate, a planning or consultation call is used to confirm feasibility and align expectations before booking.
• Pricing is confirmed in advance and does not change unless the agreed scope changes.
• No bookings, reservations, or travel purchases are made on your behalf until a deposit is received, unless agreed otherwise in writing. This approach avoids assumption, ensures clarity, and protects both parties.

• Entry tickets to historic sites are included only where explicitly stated in the service description.
• Where not included, you may book tickets yourself or request assistance (additional charges apply).
• All site tickets, ferries, flights, accommodation, and third party services remain subject to the supplier’s own terms and refund policies. Historic Orkney cannot be held responsible for closures, changes, or policies imposed by third party providers.

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• Deposits are non-refundable except where required by law.
• This reflects the exclusive nature of private bookings and the loss of availability once a date is reserved.
• If you need to change your date I will always try to accommodate where possible and with sufficient notice and agreement.

• During peak season, alternative dates may already be fully booked.
• Historic Orkney reserves the right to cancel a service only in exceptional circumstances beyond reasonable control. In such cases, all monies paid directly to Historic Orkney will be refunded in full.

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Island and remote travel can carry inherent unpredictability. Situations beyond anyone’s control may include, but are not limited to:

• Missed or cancelled ferries
• Cancelled or delayed flights
• Cruise ships unable to dock or altering course
• Severe weather or natural events
• Road closures
• Industrial action
• Government restrictions

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Complete service cancellations of this nature are rare. However, where they occur due to third-party decisions or circumstances beyond my control, Historic Orkney cannot accept liability for associated losses.

Private operators cannot reasonably be expected to act as travel insurers or absorb losses caused by events outside their control. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.

In island and maritime travel, minor timing adjustments are normal and expected. Where conditions affect arrival or access, reasonable changes to start time, order of sites, or routing may be required. These adjustments do not constitute cancellation and are part of responsible, safe guiding practice. Where possible, services will proceed in a way that preserves the quality and intent of the experience.

Flexibility is part of the experience.

• Requests to adjust routing or focus will almost always be accommodated where safe, ethical, and practical.
• Significant changes to duration or scope may require revised pricing.
• If a requested change cannot be met, cancellation falls under the standard cancellation policy.

Tours generally operate between 9am and 7pm unless otherwise agreed in advance. Extensions or changes to agreed duration will always be discussed and confirmed during the day.

Orkney’s historic landscapes are often uneven, exposed, and weather affected. Historic Orkney and its guide are not liable for injury, loss, damage, or consequential loss except where required by law.

Please advise in advance of:

• Mobility concerns
• Medical conditions that may affect your day

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This allows responsible planning.

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Respect is non negotiable. Guests are expected to treat guides, site staff, fellow visitors, and Orkney’s landscapes with courtesy. Inappropriate, threatening, or destructive behaviour may result in immediate termination of the service without refund.

• Personal data is used solely for booking and service delivery purposes.
• Stored securely.
• Deleted once the service is complete unless retention is required for legal or accounting purposes. Historic Orkney complies fully with applicable data protection regulations.

These terms are governed by Scottish law. Any disputes fall under the jurisdiction of Scottish courts.