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  • Do you charge per person?

    Nope! All of my tours are priced per group. So bring your friends, family, or favourite travel companions the price stays the same.


  • Do you have hourly rates?

    Not really. My rates are based on providing a complete experience, no stopwatch involved. If we run a little late, that’s on me.

  • There are no tour guides available. Can you find me one?

    I can certainly try, but arranging this takes time, so there’s a small fee for this service. Let's start with a video call to understand your requirments fully.

  • Can you accommodate groups larger than 4?

    Possibly! It depends on the timing and availability of my extended team. Let’s chat.

  • Are UK cars small?

    Compared to some U.S. vehicles yes. Our roads are narrow, and our parking is even narrower. But I use the largest, most comfortable vehicles I can source.

  • When’s the best time to visit Orkney for decent weather and fewer crowds?

    April, May, October, and November are ideal - fewer crowds, a more relaxed atmosphere, and (hopefully) some decent weather. Just pack a jacket… We are north of northern Scotland, after all.

  • Can you do short or evening tours?

    Yes! But I only run one tour per day to keep things personal and high quality. Shorter or evening tours are available when I’ve got the space.

  • Can you book tickets for places like Skara Brae and Maes Howe?

    Yes, I can help with that! Just be aware there’s a small extra charge for the added admin involved. Worth it if you like things organised in advance.

  • Are you planning to get a bigger vehicle for larger groups?

    Maybe in the future but for now, I focus on smaller, more personal tours. That’s what I do best, and it’s what my clients love most.

  • Can I alter a suggested itinerary to add or remove a site or experience?

    Certainly! Just give me a heads up to ensure it is both safe and practical to do so within our time.

  • Can you accommodate four larger adults comfortably?

    If physical space is a concern, I usually recommend a group size of three for maximum comfort.

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Historic Orkney – Terms & Conditions (Private Tours)

North Isles common sense. Clear, fair, and upfront.

Historic Orkney provides exclusive, private guided tours. I take only one booking per day, allowing full attention, flexibility, and a level of care not possible with volume operators.
Because each tour is personally tailored and often booked well in advance, your booking reserves my time, expertise, and availability exclusively for you. These terms exist to ensure clarity, fairness, and mutual respect.

 

Booking & Payment

• A 50% deposit is required to secure your tour date
• Deposits are non-refundable, reflecting the bespoke nature of private toursand the exclusive reservation of time and availability
• The remaining balance is due on the day of the tour, including any agreed extensions
Accepted payment methods:
Website payment, cash, or PayPal
(Cash preferred; cards accepted)
Deposits also confirm acceptance of the agreed scope and pricing of the service.

 

Planning, Scope & Consultations

All Historic Orkney services are clearly defined before confirmation.
• Tours are priced based on scope, duration, logistics, and preparation required
• Where appropriate, a planning or consultation call is used to confirm feasibility and ensure expectations are aligned before booking
• Pricing is confirmed in advance and does not change unless the agreed scope of the service changes
• No bookings, reservations, or travel purchases are made until a deposit is received
This approach avoids assumption, ensures clarity, and protects both parties.

 

Site Tickets & Third-Party Services

• Entry tickets to historic sites (e.g. Skara Brae, Maeshowe) are not included unless explicitly stated
• You may book tickets yourself (often cheaper), or I can arrange them by request
• All site tickets and third-party services are subject to supplier terms and refund policies
Historic Orkney cannot be held responsible for the policies, closures, or changes imposed by third-party providers.

 

Cancellations & Date Changes

• 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 do my best to accommodate where availability allows
• During peak season, alternative dates may already be fully booked
Historic Orkney reserves the right to cancel a tour only inexceptional circumstances.
In such cases, all monies paid to Historic Orkney will be refunded in full.
 

Complete Cancellations Beyond Control

Island travel carries inherent unpredictability. Situations beyond anyone’s control may include, but are not limited to:
• Missed ferries or onward transport
• Cancelled or delayed flights
• Cruise ships unable to dock
• Severe weather or natural events
Complete service cancellations of this nature are extremely rare.
However, when they do occur, Historic Orkney is not liable for losses resulting from third-party disruptions.
Private operators cannot reasonably be expected to act astravel insurers or absorb losses caused by events outside their control.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

 

Reasonable Adjustments on the Day

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 on the day.
These adjustments do not constitute a cancellation and are part of responsible, safe guiding in Orkney.
Where possible, tours will always proceed in a way that preserves the quality and intent of the experience.

 

Changes to Your Tour

Flexibility is part of the experience.
• Requests to adjust the itinerary will almost always beaccommodated where safe, ethical, and practical
• If a requested change cannot be met, you may cancel under the standard cancellation policy

 

Tour Itineraries & Conditions

While every effort is made to visit all planned sites, circumstances may occasionally prevent this, including:
• Unexpected closures
• Restricted access
• Time constraints (often because we are enjoying ourselves)
Where this occurs, a suitable and equally meaningfulalternative will be offered wherever possible.

 

Tour Hours

Tours generally operate between 09:00 and 19:00,unless otherwise agreed in advance.
Any extensions or changes will be discussed and agreed upon during the tour.

 

Safety & Personal Responsibility

Orkney’s historic landscapes are often uneven, exposed, and weather-affected.
Historic Orkney and its guides are not liable for injury,loss, or damage except where required by law
Please advise in advance of:
• Mobility concerns
• Medical conditions that may affect your day
This allows for responsible planning.

 

Behaviour & Respect

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 will result in immediate termination of the tour without refund.

 

Data Protection (GDPR)

• Personal data is used solely for booking purposes
• Stored securely
• Deleted once the tour is complete, unless retention is required for legal or accounting purposes
Historic Orkney complies fully with GDPR regulations.
 

Governing Law

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

 

Questions?

If anything is unclear, please ask.
I am here to help you plan the best possible experience, honestly, realistically, and without surprises.
Calum Thain
Historic Orkney

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